China’s Ministry of National Defense’s donation arrives in Manila
MANILA – Personal protective equipment, protective goggles and masks from China’s Department of Defense arrived last night at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport late Tuesday night.
In a statement from the Chinese Embassy in Manila, it was learned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian and Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana witnessed the turnover ceremony of the COVID-19 medical supplies.
Ambassador Huang said the Chinese Ministry of National Defense decided to donate a shipment of emergency medical supplies to the Philippines. The donation comprised of 80,000 pieces of surgical masks, protective suits and protective goggles.
“We hope these urgently-needed medical supplies could be allotted to the frontliners as soon as possible so as to provide effective protection for them,” Ambassador Huang said.
The Chinese Ambassador said in the anti-pandemic cooperation between the two countries, both armed Forces “have showed a valuable spirit of mutual support and help.”
He added recently the Philippine military aircraft shuttled between the two countries almost daily, bringing back medical supplies bought by the Philippine government from China. The Chinese government arranged for the flight and transport permits required of the Philippine military aircraft.
The Philippine Navy vessel, BRP Bacolod City traveled tio Zhangzhou Port of China to ship back medical supplies and China not only issued a special permit, it send a navy ship to escort the Philippine Navy vessel.
Ambassador Huang said the past days manifested China’s sincerity in helping the Philippines fight the pandemic and the Chinese army’s goodwill towards the Philippine military and its people.
“That (referring to the shipment) will go a long way to help our fight against COVID-19. The Defense Department will support all government hospitals and some private hospitals if they are in need of PPEs especially,” Defense Secretary Lorenzana said.
The Philippine Defense secretary said he is thankful to the Chinese Military on behalf of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the donation. He added he appreciates China’s support to facilitate the Philippine military aircrafts and navy vessel to bring home the needed medical supplies from China.
He said he was pleased to see both military sides playing an active role in the fight against COVID-19, which will contribute to deepening mutual understanding and trust.
Among those who witnessed the late-night turn-over rites were Defense Undersecretary Ricardo B. Jalad, Vice Admiral Gaudencio C. Collado, Jr., vice-chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Lt. General Allen T. Paredes, Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force, Presidential Chief of Protocol and Foreign Affairs Adviser Robert Borje and Military Attache Seng Dazhi of the Chinese Embassy. (Melo M. Acuña)
Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana (left) and Chinese Ambassador to Manila Huang Xilian at the Philippine Air Force headquarters late Tuesday night (left photo) while Philippine and Chinese officials pose during the turn-over of medical supplies donated by the Chinese Ministry of Defence. (Chinese Embassy photos)
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