Duterte thanks Japan for AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine donation

President Duterte was among the officials who welcomed the arrival of the 1,124,100 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City. PHOTO FROM NTF

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday night expressed his gratitude to the Japanese government for its donation of one million doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

Duterte was among the officials who welcomed the arrival of the 1,124,100 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.

“Let me thank the government of Japan and the Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga for working with the Philippine government in ensuring equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines,” he said in a speech.

“These more than one million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine will surely go a long way in our quest for herd immunity,” he added.

He further said that the donation, as well as the cooperation to fight the pandemic, is an “indication of the deep friendship” between the two countries.

The President also thanked Japan for giving the Philippines cold chain transport for the safe delivery of the vaccines.

“Again, I express my heartfelt gratitude to Japan for all of the assistance you have extended to our country during these challenging times,” he said.

Duterte then assured Filipinos that all vaccines acquired by the government are “safe and effective.”

He urged the public to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and to continue following health and safety protocols even when vaccinated.

JE