A few days before the arrival of 600,000 doses of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian said that it is a tradition between China and the Philippines to help each other in times of need.
“The 600,000 doses of Sinovac-made vaccines “CoronaVac” donated by China will arrive in the Philippines on Sunday. Both teams have been working round the clock to make it happen,” he said in a Facebook post.
“It is a fine tradition between China and the Philippines to help each other in trying times. A friend in need is a friend indeed. The donation of vaccines is another testament to the solidarity as well as profound friendship and partnership between our two peoples and two countries,” he added.
The Chinese Ambassador also “thank all those who have worked so hard in order to make this happen! I hope the vaccines will help kick off Philippines’ mass inoculation campaign to curb the pandemic and allow Filipinos’ life to return to normal at the earliest.”
“Our friendship and partnership amid this pandemic will continue to grow and prosper as we fight against the pandemic hand in hand!” Huang Xilian said.
Malacañang announced earlier that President Rodrigo Duterte would personally welcome the arrival of the Sinovac vaccines.
Sinovac vaccine donations to PH is for ‘friend in need’ – Chinese envoy
“Gusto po nating tumanaw ng utang na loob, kaya nais sumalubong ni Presidente. Magkakaroon po ng ceremony kapag dumating na ang donated vaccines ng People’s Republic of China,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said during a Palace briefing.
He added that he and some Cabinet members would also be with Duterte, adding they are now ready to be with Sinovac.
“Handang handa na po kami magpaturok na,” he said.
“Ang akin lang naman, gusto lang natin magpasalamat. Sa panahon po ng kagipitan, ang atin pong kaibigang Tsina ang maaasahan natin,” he added.
Roque emphasized that there is nothing wrong with being grateful as Filipinos.
“Hindi po masama tumanaw ng utang na loob. Pilipino po tayo, at ang Pilipino po, hindi ingrato,” Roque added.
“Ipaglalaban po natin ang dapat ipaglaban, pero hindi po tayo ingrato.”