Taiwan has donated some 300,000 medical masks to the Philippine government to help protect frontline medical and health workers in combating the scourge of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Representative Peiyung Hsu of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines (TECO) personally handed the donation to a Department of Health representative upon the arrival of the cargo at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Wednesday.
Aside from the Philippines, Taiwan has already provided two waves of medical assistance by donating 16 million medical masks and other medical supplies to the United States, Europe, diplomatic allies in Latin America and the Caribbean, partner countries under Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy, and other friendly nations severely affected by the pandemic.
In a statement, Hsu said that as close neighbors, Taiwan always stands together with the Philippines whenever there is a need and the donation “demonstrates true friendship between the two countries.”
With the COVID-19 wreaking havoc in many parts of the world, the TECO reiterated its call for the World Health Organization (WHO) to cast aside political considerations and bring Taiwan into its meetings, mechanisms and activities particularly those concerning COVID-19.
“During the time of isolation, we choose solidarity. Looking ahead, Taiwan will continue working with the Philippines to enhance the welfare of our two peoples, the TECO said in the statement.
Despite not being a member of the WHO, Taiwan, with a population of 23 million, has one of the lowest cases of COVID-19 cases in the world with only 393 confirmed cases and six deaths as of April 14, 2020. (Roy Mabasa)