The Honorable Foreign Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin Jr.,

The Honorable DOH Secretary Dr. Francisco Duque III,

The Honorable Mr. Robert Borje, Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear Friends,

Good afternoon!

Upon the request of the Philippine government, the Chinese government is dispatching this Anti-epidemic Medical Expert Team to assist the Philippines in its fight against the COVID-19 epidemic. We are also donating today another batch of medical supplies to the Philippines, including 300,000 surgical masks, 30,000 medical N95 masks, 5,000 medical protective suits, 5,000 medical face shields, and 30 non-invasive ventilators.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the Philippines in early March, China has been providing support and assistance to the Philippines to the best of its ability. The Chinese government has earlier provided the Philippines with a batch of emergency medical supplies such as testing kits, surgical masks, medical N95 masks and medical protective suits. Besides the Chinese central government, Chinese local governments, organizations, companies and individuals have also extended a helping hand with huge amount of donations to the Philippine government and people.

The Chinese Medical Expert Team to the Philippines is the among the first three teams sent by the Chinese government to ASEAN countries. Most of team members have had front line experience in Hubei province to fight against the epidemic. I hope the arrival of this team will help the Philippines to improve its ability of epidemic prevention and control as well as diagnosis and treatment, so as to boost the confidence of the public in overcoming the COVID-19.

Virus respects no borders. We always say that a friend in need is a friend indeed. During the time of crisis, the Chinese government and people feel keenly for the health and safety of the Filipino people. We will always stand together with the Philippine government and people to cope with the challenges and overcome the epidemic.

Laban Filipinas!