US provides P10-M in medical supplies to PH

MANILA – The United States government on Tuesday provided PHP10 million worth of medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) to hospitals in 10 provinces across the Philippines.

Washington’s total assistance to Manila’s fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 is now more than PHP780 million or nearly USD15.5 million.

The new donation was delivered by service members from the US Army, Marines, and Air Force in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard, Army, Marines, and Air Force.

“With this effort, we are trying to do our part to provide the heroes of this fight, the medical professionals, with the necessary tools that they need to protect their fellow workers and citizens. Times like these show the strength of our friendship, partnership, and alliance as we work together to combat this virus,” said Capt. Tim Johnson, team leader of the Civil Military Support Element-Philippines.

The supplies include disposable gloves, masks, medical clothing, various types of face protection, and tools such as infrared thermometers.

Over the next few months, these will be distributed to 14 medical clinics, hospitals, and local Departments of Health in Palawan, Isabela, Tarlac, Laguna, Bataan, Bulacan, Sulu, Zamboanga del Sur, Maguindanao, and Basilan.

Lt. Gen. Ramiro Manuel Rey, AFP Northern Luzon Commander, thanked the US government, saying the aid would further improve the Covid-19 response at the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center and Talon General Hospital in Tarlac City.

“Indeed, there is strength in unity. We would like to express our gratitude for the aid given by the U.S. Embassy… With the world in unison, we truly will heal as one,” he said.

Over the past 20 years, the US has provided more than PHP228 billion in development aid to the Philippines, including over PHP29 billion in health assistance.

The embassy said the latest joint US-Philippine operation builds on decades of bilateral military cooperation in counterterrorism, humanitarian relief, maritime security, and other fields.