MANILA, Mar 1 (NNN-PNA) – A batch of Sinovac vaccine CoronaVac, donated by China, arrived in the Philippines yesterday, the first COVID-19 vaccine to reach the Southeast Asian country.
Philippine President, Rodrigo Duterte, witnessed the unloading of the vaccines at a Philippine Air Force base, located in the capital.
“I convey my sincere gratitude to the Chinese people and the government of China, for this gesture of friendship and solidarity,” Duterte said, in a televised address.
Duterte said, receiving the CoronaVac vaccines from China makes another step forward in the Philippines’ fight against COVID-19.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Xilian, said that, it not only shows friendship between the two countries and peoples, but also signifies the intent of both militaries in jointly fighting against COVID-19 and deepening defence cooperation.
China provided support to the Philippines’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 since the outbreak of the pandemic early last year.
Presidential spokesperson, Harry Roque, said, the arrival of the vaccines is a sign of continued friendship between the Philippines and China.
“We are celebrating the arrival of the Sinovac vaccines,” Roque said, during the live coverage of the vaccine arrival. The landing of the aircraft that brought the vaccines to the Philippines “symbolises hope,” he added.– NNN-PNA
