PHILIPPINE AMBASSADOR JOINS MFA UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE IN SENDING OFF POLAND’S VACCINE DONATION TO THE PHILIPPINES

26 November 2021 – Philippine Ambassador Leah M. Basinang-Ruiz joined Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary of State for Economic and Development Cooperation, Africa and the Middle East Paweł Jabłoński in a press conference to announce that the delivery of Poland’s donation of 547,100 doses of vaccines to the Philippines is currently underway.

In his statement to the media, Deputy Foreign Minister Jabłoński said that the vaccine donation was scheduled to depart from Warsaw to Manila on Friday afternoon and emphasized that Poland is sharing its vaccine supply with a friendly country and important bilateral partner who Poland has recently been intensifying diplomatic cooperation with.

In her remarks, Ambassador Ruiz stated that Poland’s donation is a historic moment in relations between Poland and the Philippines because it is an expression of solidarity, friendship and cooperation between Poles and Filipinos. It also brings the Philippines closer to its goal of vaccinating at least 70 percent of its target population before the year ends, making possible a brighter and more hopeful Christmas season for the Filipino people.

“We cannot appreciate enough this remarkable and generous gesture, which will certainly save lives and help in the recovery of the Philippine economy,” the Ambassador added.

Ambassador Ruiz led the Officers and Staff of the Philippine Embassy in thanking the government and people of Poland during the press conference, which was held in front of the Embassy.

The Philippines’ vaccine administration reached the 77 million mark earlier this week.  A total of 34,199,550 Filipinos have been fully vaccinated, which is 31.0% of the country’s total population.  END

Deputy Foreign Minister Paweł Jabłonski speaks on behalf of the Polish government as Ambassador Leah Basinang-Ruiz, Deputy Chief of Mission/Consul General Mardomel Melicor, and First Secretary/Consul Alena Borra look on.

Ambassador Leah Basinang-Ruiz conveys the Philippines’ gratitude to Poland, represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Paweł Jabłonski. (photo courtesy of MFA of the Republic of Poland)

Ambassador Leah Basinang-Ruiz and the Embassy officials express their gratitude with signs saying “Dziękujemy, Poland!”. (photo courtesy of MFA of the Republic of Poland)

Ambassador Leah Basinang-Ruiz presents Deputy Foreign Minister Paweł Jabłonski with Philippine-made products as a token of appreciation.