DFA Facilitates Cooperation on Vaccine Trials and Manufacturing, and Other Humanitarian Assistance Related to COVID-19

PASAY CITY 10 July 2020 - In line with the efforts of the Philippine Government to ensure that a viable vaccine for COVID-19 may be available to Filipinos in the soonest possible time, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through its Foreign Service Posts, has initiated coordination and exchanges of information with different jurisdictions across the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, Europe, Africa and Middle East regarding COVID-19 vaccine developments.

Information on vaccine developments and potential international partners were endorsed by the DFA to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) as the chair of the Sub-Technical Working Group on COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Trials.

Based on the gathered information by the Department, collaboration with Philippine subsidiaries of vaccine developers, engagement with those overseas for conduct of clinical trials, utilization of multilateral efforts to ensure vaccine access, and bilateral cooperation are key efforts that must be pursued to ensure that a viable vaccine can be made available and accessible for Filipinos.

Furthermore, the DFA has also been engaged in processing and facilitating international humanitarian assistance for the government's COVID-19 response. As of 06 July 2020, DFA has processed and assisted in facilitation assistance from 9 foreign governments and 6 of their medical agencies, 4 international organizations, and 33 private companies, groups and individuals.

The DFA has also assisted in obtaining flight clearances and in the issuance of visas to foreign technical experts in relation to the COVID-19-related procurement of the Philippine Red Cross and to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) grant to DOH. The Department is also facilitating receipt of Japan’s grant aid in support of DOH’s response to COVID-19 and other health emergencies.

As the whole nation strives to heal as one, the DFA stands ready to support and complement efforts of Philippine Government agencies in response to the current pandemic and eventually secure a viable vaccine for COVID-19 for Filipinos in the soonest possible time. END