US gov't donates P6.9-M COVID-19 response medical equipment for Mindanao
Intensive care unit (ICU) beds and cold storage facilities for COVID-19 vaccines amounting to P6.9 million were donated to several areas in Mindanao by the government of United States (US).

In a statement, the US Embassy in the Philippines said that the donations consisting of 13 cold storage units and 50 ICU beds were made between Oct. 2 to Nov. 10.
The U.S. military handed over the ICU beds and COVID-19 vaccine cold storage units during seven small ceremonies in Pagadian City, Cotabato City, Sulu Province, Iligan City, and Tawi-Tawi Province.
"This equipment represents the United States’ continued support to the Philippines in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in geographically remote and isolated areas where it is difficult to procure and deliver supplies," the US Embassy in the country said.
The most recent donation took place in the Zamboanga del Sur Integrated Provincial Health Office in Pagadian City with representatives from the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) ReachHealth project arranging the logistics, transportation, and turnover of six vaccine cold storage units capable of storing more than 120,000 vaccine doses.
“The Filipino people and the US have a long-standing tradition of helping each other in times of need,” said Maj. Scott Holub, Special Operations Task Force 511.2 commanding officer.
“From the liberation of Marawi to the battle against COVID-19, we will continue to support our oldest ally in Asia,” Holub added.
Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., Western Mindanao Command commanding general, on the other hand said, “I extend my sincere gratitude to our partner and ally particularly on your kind donations to the remote hospitals within our area of operations, specifically in Cotabato, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. The hospital beds and cold storage units for COVID-19 vaccines that you donated are vital components in our sustained battle against the COVID-19.”
To date, the US has provided more than P1.9 billion ($39.2 million) to support the Philippines’ COVID-19 response.