US troops donate P10-M PPE, supplies

AMERICAN soldiers in the Philippines have donated over P10 million ($203,000) worth of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies to hospitals in 10 provinces.

The United States Embassy in Manila said servicemen from the US Army, US Marines and US Air Force delivered the PPE sets and medical supplies to hospitals in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army, Philippine Marines and Philippine Air Force.

This new donation brought to over P780 million or nearly $15.5 million the US government’s assistance to the Philippines’ response to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the US Embassy said in a statement.

The assistance will provide medical clinics from Luzon to Mindanao with much-needed PPE and other essential equipment to support frontline workers.

The supplies include disposable gloves, masks, medical clothing, various types of face protection and tools such as infrared thermometers.

“With this effort, we are trying to do our part to provide the heroes of this fight, the medical professionals, with the necessary tools that they need to protect their fellow workers and citizens,” said Capt. Tim Johnson, Civil Military Support Element-Philippines team leader.

“Times like these show the strength of our friendship, partnership and alliance as we work together to combat this virus,” he added.

Lt. General Ramiro Manuel Rey, Armed Forces Northern Luzon commander, thanked the US soldiers for their donation: “Indeed, there is strength in unity. We would like to express our gratitude for the aid given by the US Embassy.”

“These items will greatly benefit the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center in Bataan and Talon General Hospital in Tarlac City for a better Covid-19 response. With the world in unison, we truly will heal as one,” he continued.

The medical equipment will be distributed in June to 14 medical clinics, hospitals and local Department of Health offices in Palawan, Isabela, Tarlac, Laguna, Bataan, Bulacan, Sulu, Zamboanga del Sur, Maguindanao and Basilan.