President Duterte has expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom for donating coronavirus vaccines that would help bolster the country's fight against the outbreak.
The President relayed the country's thanks to the European ally and recognized the crucial role of UK Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce in the vaccine donation during the latter's farewell call in Malacañang Wednesday, August 4.
"The President thanked the United Kingdom for the donation of 415,000 doses of AstraZeneca that contributed to the country’s ongoing COVID-19 vaccination program," the Palace said in a statement.
"President Duterte cited Ambassador Pruce’s personal role in improving vaccine access for the Philippines eventually leading to the conclusion of the innovative Tripartite Agreement between GPH, LGUs (local government units) and Private Sector for the procurement of AstraZeneca vaccines," it said.
On August 2, the United Kingdom donated 415,040 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines to the Philippines as the coronavirus case spike prompted the government to reimpose the strict movement curbs in the capital region, The vaccine donation was part of the UK government's commitment to deliver around 9 million doses of free vaccines to low-income countries.
Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. also thanked the UK government for its gesture of kindness and compassion. He said the vaccine donation to Filipinos would boost the government’s capacity to provide the country’s most vulnerable sectors with an extra layer of protection.
The country has so far received 37.2 million doses of coronavirus vaccines, including the recent deliveries of AstraZeneca jabs from the UK and the 3 million Moderna doses donated by the United States.