Philippine Embassy in Washington Reassures Filipino Community of the Government’s Efforts for the Early Release and Increase of Vaccine Supply in the Philippines

Deputy Chief of Mission Renato Villa provides updates of the PH Government’s vaccine related efforts in a forum arranged by the Philippine Humanitarian Coalition (PHC), Philippine Medical Association MDC, US Filipinos for Good Governance DC (USFGG) and US Medicare PH held on 29 April 2021 (Photo from WDCPE)

WASHINGTON, D.C., 30 April 2021 - The Philippine Humanitarian Coalition (PHC), Philippine Medical Association MDC, US Filipinos for Good Governance DC (USFGG) and US Medicare PH hosted a virtual community forum on 29 April 2021 where Deputy Chief of Mission Renato Villa reassured participants of the Embassy’s continued efforts to engage and negotiate with the US Government and vaccine manufacturers to achieve the early release and increase of vaccine supply in the Philippines, regardless of the numerous challenges our country is currently facing. DCM Villa also upraised the participants on the PH Government’s vaccine procurement efforts in the United States and through other vaccine sources including the WHO COVAX Facility.

Miss Loida Lewis, one of the Filipino-American Community leaders present during the forum shared that she had an opportunity to speak with Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez who reiterated the importance of Filipino-American Community’s cooperation in urging the Biden Government for the early release of the Moderna vaccine, and a 5 million allocation of the US’ AstraZeneca vaccine stockpile. She also shared their like-mindedness on how Community Pantries in the Philippines could be a helpful avenue for support in other means.

Various Filipino community organizations also reported their recent actions on COVID assistance efforts for the Philippines. Forum participants from the Philippines also shared information regarding the situation in their respective communities. DCM Villa  commended the Filipino-American community members for their steadfast support and contributions towards the same vision of a healthy and rejuvenated Philippines. END

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