Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III today accepted 38 cold chain transportation vehicles from the Korean International Cooperation Authority (KOICA) and Korean Embassy to augment the country’s cold chain management of COVID-19 vaccines.

The donation is part of the Korean government’s USD 2.5 million assistance which aims to provide cold chain capacity-building for DOH supply chain officers. In addition, the Korean government also provided assistance for the construction of a molecular laboratory and isolation facility for the local government of Bayawan City, Negros Oriental. The Republic of Korea has also previously provided donations of walk-through testing booths and testing kits.

Also present in the turnover ceremony at the DOH Central Office were Korean Ambassador Kim In-chul, Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. Chief Implementor of the National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19, and Undersecretary of Health for the Procurement and Supply Chain Management Team Ma. Carolina Vidal-Taiño.

“It is with great pleasure that we have received such generous donations from the Korean government. The 34 refrigerated vans and 4 service vehicles will help the country’s National Vaccination Program and further improve cold chain management of COVID-19 vaccines in the regions. We are very grateful to our friends from Korea for their tireless effort and generosity in helping more Filipinos get vaccinated. This cooperation is a testament that we are not safe anywhere until we are safe everywhere. Kamsahamnida!,” said Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III.

“Korea has been working together with the Philippines from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and Korea and the Philippines will keep working hard until we overcome this crisis,” said Korean Ambassador Kim In-Chul.

The donated units will be deployed to the various regions of the country through the DOH Centers for Health Development (CHDs).