MANILA, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines -- On April 22, U.S. military service members in Mindanao and Luzon began the delivery of nearly Php5.7 million ($118,700) worth of personal protective equipment and medical supplies to local partners battling COVID-19 in provinces across the Philippines.
The supplies include protective equipment such as disposable gloves, goggles, face shields, disinfectant spray, and other items to support frontline workers.
“As longstanding allies, we are proud to support the Philippine first responders and medical professionals who are on the frontlines battling COVID-19 with this PPE donation,” said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Christopher Duede, Civil Military Support Element – Philippines. “This donation is part of our continued commitment to supporting the Philippines COVID-19 response. It is an honor to be able to work with such great partners and provide assistance in any way that we can.”
In coordination with the Office of Civil Defense, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police – Special Action Force, and local USAID ReachHealth partners, this equipment will be distributed to medical clinics, hospitals, rural health units, and municipal health offices in Cagayan, the National Capital Region, Palawan, Zambales, Sarangani, and Zamboanga City.
PCG Commandant, Admiral George Ursabia, extended appreciation for the continuous donations received, “It’s the genuine concern shown through consistent efforts that matters to us Filipinos. Your generosity to equip our front liners since the start of pandemic transcends service to humanity and we are far beyond grateful.”
To date, the United States has provided nearly Php1.3 billion ($27 million) to support the Philippines’ COVID-19 response.
The Philippines is the United States’ oldest treaty ally in Asia, and this joint U.S.-Philippine partnership builds on decades of bilateral military cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster response, counterterrorism, maritime security, and many other fields.