MANILA -Tokyo’s support for Manila’s COVID-19 response continues as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) on Monday turned over to the Department of Health (DOH) P260 million worth of equipment and supplies related to cold chain and logistics systems that would be needed for future emergencies.
The World Health Organization last May declared an end to the global health emergency, three years after its onset. Last July, President Marcos lifted the nationwide COVID-19 public state of emergency.
According to Jica, the pandemic showed that governments must act fast and sure to curb social and economic losses.
In particular, delays in the rollout of vaccines may lead to wider spread and serious loss of life. On the other hand, experience also showed that this can be prevented.
The package from Jica included eight refrigerated vans, 17 delivery vans, 17 pickup trucks, 18 wing van trucks, 500 biothermal packaging systems and 140 ice pack freezers—all worth a total of 700 million yen.
These will be deployed in various health facilities of DOH across the nation.
Also, this is part of the initiative called “Program for COVID-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support,” a cooperative effort that is intended to strengthen the Philippines’ cold chain management and logistics for efficient vaccination systems in cases of outbreaks.
Jica chief representative Sakamoto Takema said the agency’s support is aimed at ensuring that no one is left behind. INQ