On November 25, 2022, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines formally turned-over the vaccine cold chain and logistics support to the Department of Health (DOH) through Office-in-Charge Ma. Rosario Vergeire. Economic Minister NIHEI Daisuke led the ceremonial turnover, attended by JICA Chief Representative SAKAMOTO Takema and Lung Center of the Philippines Executive Director Vincent Balanag, Jr. also witnessed the event.
The US$2 million technical cooperation project, administered by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aims to assist the Philippines’ vaccination program. The project includes the provision of 600 refrigerated containers, two vehicles with freezers, two plain vehicles, as well as webinars on usage and maintenance.
The pandemic experience has shown the significance of vaccines not only for COVID-19 prevention but also for disease prevention. Minister NIHEI deliver Ambassador KOSHIKAWA message on his behalf, sharing his optimism about the cooperation, stating, “This collaboration with JICA on cold chain transport will ensure that vaccines are delivered across the country safely and efficiently while retaining their efficacy.” The Ambassador also described this initiative as another milestone to JICA’s more-than 60 years of contribution to the Philippine healthcare system.
