The Department of Health (DOH) received a substantial donation of cold chain equipment and vehicles from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at the DOH Central Office in Manila on Monday, Oct. 23.

The donation aims to strengthen the nation's logistics and cold chain management, ensuring a more effective and efficient vaccination program during outbreaks.
DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa expressed his gratitude, saying, "I want to reiterate our profound gratitude to the Government of Japan and JICA for their support and solidarity. Together, we will emerge stronger from this global crisis. Let this donation serve as a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship between our countries and our unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our people."

Recognizing the critical importance of robust cold chain systems, JICA provided grants worth approximately JPY700 million, equivalent to around P260 million, to the Philippines, the DOH said.
The Health Department also pointed out that the funding facilitated the acquisition of essential cold chain equipment and transport vehicles, significantly enhancing the country's vaccination infrastructure.
The equipment donation includes 140 ice-pack freezers and 500 thermal packaging systems.
The vehicle fleet comprises 17 units of Nissan Navara Pickup services with canopy, 17 units of delivery vans, 18 units of wing vans, and 8 units of refrigerated vans, it added.

These assets have already been delivered to the DOH warehouse in Marikina City, with the refrigerated vans set to arrive later this month.
The refrigerated vans, delivery vans, pickup trucks, wing van trucks, biothermal packaging systems, and ice pack freezers from JICA will be distributed to DOH health facilities across the country. (Zekinah Elize Espina)