The Department of Health (DOH) received Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) Information and Communications Technology (ICT) equipment worth a total of 4.8 million Philippine pesos (Php) from the European Union (EU) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), according to the EU’s official website.
It is expected that the Health Department will now be able to provide an effective and timely response to public health emergencies or natural disasters, and will also be able to provide uninterrupted medical services in times of crises.
Christoph Wagner, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to the Philippines, stated:
“The European Union has been a steadfast ally of the Philippines both in tackling disasters with humanitarian aid, and also by supporting national and local authorities’ work on disaster preparedness for many years now. In particular, since 2020, health emergencies have become a very real threat. The EU is therefore proud to be supporting the Department of Health to secure its communication and coordination capabilities during major crises. This will protect lives.”
The equipment delivery is part of the South East Asia Health Pandemic Response and Preparedness programme worth €20 million. Under the agreement, the EU, in partnership with WHO and the ASEAN Secretariat, will reinforce the region’s national health systems to combat the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over the past three years, the programme has invested around €2.3 million in the Philippines. Dr Rui Paulo de Jesus, WHO Representative to the Philippines, noted:
We hope that this donation will help achieve the recommended minimum operational requirements in ensuring uninterrupted health service delivery in emergencies and disasters.
DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa thanked the EU and the WHO for their support of Php 4.8 million for modern ICT equipment, one of the Eight-Point Teknolohiya Para sa Mabilis na Serbisyong Pangkalusugan programme.
“This collaboration is more than just a technological upgrade; it will let DOH respond swiftly, organise effectively, and protect the health and well-being of every Filipino especially the most vulnerable during public health emergencies and disasters.”
