Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 13) — The Philippine government is set to receive $250 million in new loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to further finance its COVID-19 vaccine procurement.
“ADB is supporting the government’s drive to provide vaccines to protect its citizens and save lives, especially with the emergence of new COVID-19 variant,” ADB Principal Social Sector Specialist for Southeast Asia Sakiko Tanaka was quoted as saying in a statement.
“Vaccination will allow the health system to better manage the effects of the virus and will help sustain economic recovery. It is key to the country’s full recovery from the pandemic,” the official added.
Data from the government show that as of Dec. 7, 39.23 million Filipinos are now fully vaccinated against the virus.
Last week, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the government seeks to fully vaccinate 90% of the country’s population before the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term.
The ADB on Monday announced it approved the loan agreement, allowing the Philippines to acquire 40 million additional doses of COVID-10 vaccines for children and booster shots for adults.
