28 August 2021
Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Department of Health Undersecretary Leopoldo J. Vega received from Australian Ambassador Steven J. Robinson AO a donation of 100 oxygen concentrators from the Australian Government.
“We are very grateful to the government of Australia for extending help to our country. The arrival of these generous donations lucidly manifests the significance of camaraderie between the Philippines and Australia in these trying times. This milestone will significantly aid our health system to capably grapple with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic” said Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III.
Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne announced the donation on Monday, 23 August, during the Philippines-Australia Ministerial Meeting between Minister Payne, Australian Trade Minister Dan Tehan, Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Department of Trade and Investment Secretary Ramon Lopez where they discussed a range of issues including cooperation for COVID-19 recovery.
Secretary Locsin, Ambassador Robinson, Undersecretary Vega and World Health Organisation (WHO) Country Representative Dr Rabindra Abeyasinghe witnessed the arrival of the donated Oxygen concentrators at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Saturday, 28 August.
“I am very pleased that the Australian Government is able to respond to the request of the Philippine Government by quickly delivering these oxygen concentrators, which will make an important contribution to meeting some of the immediate needs of the Philippines. These critical medical supplies will help the Department of Health to respond to the current increase in COVID-19 cases,” the Ambassador said.
There is currently a global shortage of oxygen concentrators as many countries deal with the impact of the Delta variant.
“We have been working with the WHO to support the Philippines in addressing the critical needs to response effectively to the COVID situation, not only in vaccination, but also care for those infected with the virus such as identifying the need for critical medical supplies like these oxygen concentrators.” the Ambassador added.
“This donation complements our extensive COVID-19 support to the Philippines under our ‘Partnerships for Recovery’. Our ongoing co-operation underscores the strong partnership that Australia and the Philippines have shared over the last 75 years.”
