PRESS RELEASE
WDC-17-2021
29 APRIL 2021
29 APRIL 2021, WASHINGTON, D.C. – Deputy Chief of Mission Renato Villa represented the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. 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. DCM Villa provided updates on the PH Government’s vaccine procurement efforts in the United States and through other vaccine sources including the WHO COVAX Facility. He also clarified certain issues related to donations and the vaccine rollout in the Philippines. The forum audience was reassured by DCM Villa that, regardless of the numerous challenges our country is currently facing, the Embassy will continue to engage and negotiate with the US Government and vaccine manufacturers to achieve the early release and increase of vaccine supply in the Philippines. DCM Villa commended the Filipino-American community members for their steadfast support and contributions towards the same vision of a healthy and rejuvenated Philippines.
As Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez could not join the forum due to another engagement, the Ambassador had an earlier opportunity to converse with Ms. Loida Lewis, one of the Filipino-American Community leaders present during the forum. Ms. Lewis shared that in their earlier conversation, the Ambassador reiterated the importance of, and willingness to collaborate with the Filipino-American Community to continue urging the Biden Government for the early release of the Moderna vaccine, and for a 5 million allocation of the US’ Astrazeneca vaccine stockpile for the Philippines. 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.
You may also access the latest updates shared by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte last 28 April via video here: https://bit.ly/2SfhxJr or text here: https://bit.ly/330L7Ez