The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) received P68 million worth of medical supplies and equipment from the Australian government on Thursday at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City to bolster the military's coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and AFP Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana formally accepted the items during the ceremonial turn-over of the second tranche of donations by the Australian government.
Representing the donors were Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson AO and Colonel Paul Joseph Barta, the Defense Attaché of the Australian Embassy in Manila.
"In the midst of a complex and volatile security environment, Australia has continuously extended its support in the endeavors and advocacies of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and of course, our national government. In particular, Australia has been a dependable partner in confronting the prevailing health crisis," Sobejana said.
Sobejana said that the support will be used by the AFP Health Service Command (AFPHSC) to continuously address the challenges posed by the pandemic.
The first batch of donations from the Australian government was received by the AFP on June 11, 2020 and was subsequently distributed to Victoriano Luna Medical Center.
Sobejana said that the additional assistance came at the right time as they look to improve their medical resources to ensure the safety and well-being of AFP personnel.
"The AFP has undoubtedly stood strong and resilient in the midst of this pandemic, yet we also recognize the need for better and accessible medical equipment to vigorously ensure the welfare of our personnel. The donation of P68 million worth of medical supplies and equipment to our health and service command will surely be of great benefit to our soldiers and their dependents," he said.
The AFP Chief of Staff assured the donors that their contributions will be maintained and maximized accordingly. He likewise expressed his gratitude to the Australian government and guaranteed the persistence of a steadfast partnership.
"The Armed Forces of the Philippines will continuously work alongside our Australian counterparts to promote our shared interests and aspirations of our two nations and to further strengthen our decades-long mutually beneficial partnership," Sobejana stated.