China to donate 400,000 more vaccine doses to PH – Duterte

More coronavirus vaccines are coming the country's way. China has offered to donate an additional 400,000 doses of coronavirus vaccines to the Philippines, President Duterte announced Thursday, March 4.

The Asian giant had earlier donated 600,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines to the Philippines in affirmation of steadfast support in battling the pandemic. The government started administering the donated vaccines to health workers Monday, March 1, a day after the supply was flown into the country.

“I will be receiving another batch. And then another – China would give us another 400,[000] making their donation to this country 1 million,” the President said during the inauguration of a school building in Valenzuela City Thursday.

Although the country has obtained its first batch of vaccine supply, the President has preferred to get injected with another Chinese-made vaccine – Sinopharm. In his visit to Valenzuela, Duterte confirmed his preference for the vaccine brand made by the Chinese manufacturer over western suppliers.

“Ang akin is Sinopharm, China. Hindi masyado ako maano diyan sa mga produkto ng puti (I am not fond of the products by the west),” he said.

The President had earlier expressed gratitude to China for the donated vaccines, saying he intends to visit Beijing to thank Chinese President Xi Jinping. He said a debt of gratitude should be paid with a personal visit.