The Department of Health (DOH) received cold chain equipment and vehicles from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the COVID-19 Crisis Response Emergency Support to the Philippines.
This significant initiative aims to strengthen the country’s cold chain management and logistics, further ensuring an efficient and effective vaccination system in times of outbreaks.
Learning from the critical importance of robust cold chain systems during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, JICA generously extended their support to the country by providing grants amounting to approximately JPY 700 million, equivalent to approximately P260 million.
“I want to reiterate our profound gratitude to the Government of Japan and JICA for their support and solidarity.”
“I want to reiterate our profound gratitude to the Government of Japan and JICA for their support and solidarity,” Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said.
This funding facilitated the procurement of essential cold chain equipment and transport vehicles, which will enhance the country’s vaccination infrastructure.
The equipment includes 140 ice pack freezers and 500 thermal packaging systems, while the vehicle fleet consists of 17 units of Nissan Navarra Pickup services with canopy, 17 units of delivery vans, 18 units of wing vans, and 8 units of refrigerated vans.
These assets have already been delivered to the DOH Warehouse in Marikina City.
The turn-over ceremony, held at the DOH Central Office in Manila, symbolizes the continuing collaborative efforts between JICA and the Philippine government in fortifying the nation’s COVID-19 response.
Representatives from the Embassy of Japan and other key stakeholders were also present to commemorate the event.
“Together, we will emerge stronger from this global crisis.”
“Together, we will emerge stronger from this global crisis. Let this donation serve as a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship between our countries and our unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of our people,” Herbosa stressed.
The refrigerated vans, delivery vans, pickup trucks, wing van trucks, biothermal packaging systems, and ice pack freezers from JICA will be distributed to DOH health facilities across the country.
This signifies a promising step forward in the country’s fight to end COVID-19.
With the support of JICA, the nation is better equipped to overcome challenges and build a resilient healthcare system.
