MANILA, Philippines — Australia has donated to the Armed Forces of the Philippines additional hospital and personal protective equipment amounting to at least P70 million or A$2 million to boost the AFP’s response against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The amount brings to P105 million (A$3 million) the total assistance given by Australia to the AFP’s COVID-19 program for military personnel and their dependents.
In May 2020, Australia supported the expansion of the V. Luna Medical Center infectious ward to handle COVID-19 cases with a P35-million (A$1-million) grant.
With the latest assistance, the AFP has increased the capacity of its Health Service Command to deal with the rising COVID-19 cases in Manila and other areas.
“Through the enhanced defense cooperation, Australia is providing this additional assistance to the AFP in the spirit of bayanihan,” Australian Ambassador Steven Robinson said.
“COVID-19 may have disrupted our defense training and other military exercises, but it has demonstrated that whatever challenges we face, we can rely on the respect and camaraderie between our respective armed forces,” Robinson added.
Australia has partnered with the AFP to find ways to support the needs of the Philippine military and its defense personnel.