Australia provides PHP35 million (AUD 1 million) to expand AFP’s V.Luna Medical Centre COVID-19 response

Australia provides PHP35 million (AUD 1 million) to expand AFP’s V.Luna Medical Centre COVID-19 response

Australia is supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) COVID-19 response for defense personnel with a donation of hospital and personal protective equipment valued at PHP 35 million (AUD 1 million) to support a 30-bed expansion of the Victoriano Luna Medical Center- AFP Medical Center infectious disease ward. This will increase the capacity of the AFP to deal with COVID-19.

Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J. Robinson AO said, “I am pleased to join Defence Secretary Delfin N Lorenzana to formally handover this assistance. What better way to invoke the spirit of mateship and bayanihan between our countries, than by supporting the health and welfare of AFP members, who are carrying out such a challenging role for the people of the Philippines.”

Australia and the Philippines have a strong record of defence cooperation. Australia’s Defence Minister, Linda Reynolds said in a statement that Australia and the Philippines have a “long-term commitment to work together as friends and comprehensive partners in addressing challenges posed by COVID-19, and advancing regional security and stability.”

“We are very thankful for this assistance to the V. Luna Medical Center, especially during this pandemic. Now, more than ever, we need to increase the capacities of our hospitals to combat the virus,” Secretary Lorenzana said.