President Duterte expressed confidence that the Philippines will see better and brighter days ahead if the public will support the government in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

Duterte made the statement during the arrival ceremony for the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines donated by the Chinese government on Friday, August 20.

In his speech, the President urged the public to join the government in its "collaborative action" to fight the virus that has now affected 1,807,800 Filipinos after recording 17,231 new cases, the country's highest daily count yet.

"Join us in our collaborative action in beating this pandemic through vaccination and the strict observance of health protocols," he said.

"With your support, I am certain that we will see better and brighter days ahead and emerge stronger as one nation," he added.

Duterte assured the public that the government continues to exert all efforts and will continue to use available resources to end the pandemic.

He, however, enjoined Filipinos to do their part by getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

"I encourage all Filipinos to get inoculated once your turn comes. Do not waste precious time as every single day is a risk for you and your loved ones.," he said.

The President likewise reminded the public to keep on following minimum health standards.

"As we continue to vaccinate our population, I urge you to keep observing our minimum public health standards even after you have been vaccinated. Remember to wear masks, wash hands, observe social distancing, and stay home whenever you can," Duterte said.

"We cannot afford to be complacent especially with the presence of the Delta variant," he added.

As of August 15, the Department of Health (DOH) has detected 807 cases of the more contagious Delta variant.

Despite the rising number of cases, the government's pandemic task force has decided to downgrade Metro Manila and Laguna to the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) starting August 21. Bataan will follow suit on August 23.