The military has received about P57 million worth of medical equipment, supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) from the Australian government under its anti-pandemic effort for the Philippines.
Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson AO turned over the donations on Tuesday to defense and military officials led by Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana at the South Harbor in Manila.
“Throughout this unpredictable Covid-19 pandemic, I am very pleased that Australia is able to provide flexible and responsive support to the Philippines,” the envoy said in turning over the items.
“These additional medical and personal protective equipment will be critical in VLMC’s Covid-19 testing efforts, and treatment of Covid patients,” he added.
Australia made the donation while its three warships are docked in Manila after holding maritime exercises with a Philippine Navy vessel under Australia’s Indo-Pacific Endevour 2021 (IPE21).
Among the donated items were high flow oxygen machines, stretcher, defibrillator, disinfection kits, Automated RNA Extraction kit, Viral RNA Extraction kit, RT-PCR Reagents and Detection kit, face masks, face shield, PPE level 3 and level 4 sets, eye protector and KN95 masks.
Lorenzana expressed the Department of National Defense’ gratitude and appreciation to Australia’s latest assistance.
“The Australian Government has expanded the coverage of its Defense Cooperation Program to include the pandemic needs of Filipino soldiers; a gesture that conveys the message that we are not alone in this fight,” Lorenzana said.
“Certainly, these donations will ramp up the day-to-day clinical management and quality of care and service which AFP’s medical arm is expected to provide,” he added.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said the aid was the third tranche of donations from the Australian Government coursed under the Australia-Philippines Enhanced Defence Cooperation Program.
AFP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino thanked the Australian Government and assured that the donations will be maintained and maximized.
“Rest assured that we shall do everything in our capacity to ensure that the donated medical equipment and supplies shall be duly maintained and kept in excellent condition, as well as to maximize their use to enhance the provision of medical response within the AFP health-care system,” he said.
Image credits: Save the Children Philippines