US AID. “In unison, we truly will heal as one.” Contributed photo
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Medical supplies and personnel protective equipment worth some P10 million from the United States Armed Forces were recently turned over to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Northern Luzon Command, a press statement from the US Embassy said.
Nolcom commander Lt. General Ramiro Manuel Rey acknowledged the donation:
“In behalf of Nolcom and the AFP we would like to express our gratitude for the aid given by the US Embassy. These items will greatly benefit the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center in Bataan and Talon General Hospital in Tarlac City for a better Covid–19 response. With the world in unison, we truly will heal as one.”
The donation included disposable gloves, face masks, medical clothing, various types of face protection, and tools such as infrared thermometers, said Rey.
“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, Civil Military Support Element–Philippines.
Over the next month, more medical equipment are slated to be distributed through the US Embassy to 14 clinics, hospitals, and local Departments of Health in Palawan, Isabela, Tarlac, Laguna, Bataan, Bulacan, Sulu, Zamboanga del Sur, Maguindanao, and Basilan.
This new donation brings total US government Covid-19 assistance to the Philippines to more than P780 million (nearly $15.5 million).
Delivered in conjunction with the US Embassy and Department of Health the assistance will provide medical clinics from Luzon to Mindanao with much-needed PPE and other essential equipment to support frontline workers battling Covid-19. This joint US-Philippine operation builds on decades of bilateral military cooperation in counterterrorism, humanitarian relief, maritime security, and many other fields.
The United States has provided more than P228 billion ($4.5 billion) in development assistance to the Philippines over the past 20 years, including over P29 billion ($582 million) in health assistance. – BZL with US Embassy PR
