Japan grant boosts DoH’scold chain management, logistics
This support is designed to fortify the country’s capacity to respond effectively to existing and future health crises
Daily TribuneThis support is designed to fortify the country’s capacity to respond effectively to existing and future health crises
Japan’s grant, totaling approximately 700 million Japanese yen or P260 million, aims to bolster the Philippines’ cold chain management and logistics. (PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF JAPAN EMBASSY )
Japan's Minister for Economic Affairs Nihei Daisuke graced the turnover ceremony for the Department of Health's Program for Covid-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support on 23 October 2023. The event was led by Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, and was attended by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) Philippines Representative Sakamoto Takema and other DoH officials.
In January 2020, the World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a public health emergency, and a pandemic in March 2020. In the Philippines, the Government of Japan was among those who responded immediately to this concern and provided various assistance to effectively deal with the pandemic.
Among its notable contributions is a grant totaling approximately 700 million Japanese yen, or P260 million, dedicated to bolstering the Philippines' cold chain management and logistics. This includes the procurement of essential resources such as eight refrigerated vans, 17 delivery vans, 17 pick-up trucks, 18 wing van trucks, 500 biothermal packaging systems and 140 ice pack freezers.
This support is designed to fortify the country's capacity to respond effectively to existing and future health crises.
In his speech, Daisuke lauded the efforts of the Philippine government, the Department of Health and the entire health workforce in responding to the crisis. He expressed hope that the pandemic's lessons will serve as catalysts to better prepare for future health emergencies, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among stakeholders at all levels.
Japan has provided over $100 billion comprehensive Covid-19 support to the Philippines, ranging from vaccines and medicines to equipment, technical assistance, budgetary support, food and livelihood, among others.
