US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has promised to provide additional assistance to the Philippines in its fight against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the US Embassy in Manila said on Tuesday.
The promise of assistance took place Sunday during a phone conversation between Trump and President Duterte, it said.
“President Trump expresses his solidarity and offered additional assistance to the Philippines as it continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic,” the embassy said.
“Both leaders agreed to continue working together as long-time allies to defeat the pandemic, save lives and restore global economic strength,” it added.
The embassy did not say what additional assistance will be given to Manila.
Earlier, the embassy said the US government is providing Manila $4 million (about P240 million) to support laboratory system preparedness, case finding and event surveillance, technical expert assistance, risk communication and infection prevention. The embassy also donated 1,300 cots. It also said that the US Agency for International Aid is working with the Department of Health to intensify the campaign against the virus.
Several US companies such as Johnson&Johnson have also pitched in, with the latter distributing 20,000 care kits worth P10 million to several hospitals at the forefront of the campaign against COVID-19 as well as P10 million worth of rehydration drinks for healthcare personnel and patients.
Over the past 20 years, the US government has provided $582 million (P29.6 billion) worth of assistance to the Philippine health sector and $4.5 billion (P228.8 billion) in total development assistance.
The embassy said Trump, in the phone call, offered condolences for the 12 soldiers recently killed in fighting the Abu Sayyaf group in Patikul, Sulu.
The US has designated the Abu Sayyaf as a terrorist group.
