Manila receives 15,000 masks

The City of Manila has received a donation of 15,000 medical masks from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines to support its effort against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, along with Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna and Secretary to the Mayor Bernie Ang, received the items from TECO Representative Peiyung Hsu, who was joined by Kenway Tan on behalf of the Taipei mayor. The Manila officials thanked TECO for the donation, as they acknowledged the support it offered to extend for its other anti-COVID initiatives.

The Manila mayor had been actively calling for everyone in the city to constantly wear a mask, since this is the cheapest and most effective way of protecting oneself and others from becoming infected with the virus.

Ang said the TECO donation is an expression of confidence and support for the joint efforts of Domagoso and Lacuna in addressing the pandemic. He added the gesture stems from the sister-city relationship between Taipei and Manila, which goes a long way back, and is a demonstration of real friendship between the two cities.

As “sister cities,” Manila and Taipei have agreed to promote cultural and commercial ties and form a linkage that would involve an exchange of culture, trade and tourism for their mutual benefit, Ang explained.

Taiwan is known for its successful response against COVID-19, resulting in a low rate of infections. It recorded only seven deaths in May, at a time when there was a surge in most of other countries.