The city government received critical medical equipment to aid the city’s continued efforts versus COVID-19 from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the German government Wednesday afternoon at City Hall.

Mayor Beng Climaco, together with City Health Officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravite and City Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian, welcomed the arrival of Chief of Mission for IOM Philippines Troy Dooley and German Ambassador to the Philippines, Her Excellency Anke Reiffenstuel to Zamboanga City for a simple ceremony which saw the official handover of one land ambulance, two ultra-low temperature freezers, and 150 oxygen tanks with regulators.

Mayor Climaco said the medical equipment provided will greatly support the city government’s efforts on vaccination and other health initiatives.

“Today, with whatever resources we have in the city government, plus the resources given, we will be able to face our challenges as we face the new normal,” said Mayor Climaco.

“We want to say a big thank you, it is you and your team’s guidance that lets us know what has most impact…we are grateful for the funding from the German government and also the partnership with Zamboanga City,” said OIC Troy Dooley, Chief of Mission for IOM Philippines.

Meanwhile, Her Excellency Anke Reiffenstuel highlighted the importance of working in solidarity and the strong ties between Germany and the Philippines.

“I have realized during the pandemic over the past few years, is a lot of challenges we have faced but we have also embraced this opportunity, these challenges, and understood it as a chance to grow… this has showed us how deeply rooted the connections are between our countries and how important it is to work in solidarity,” said Ambassador Reiffenstuel. The handover of medical equipment is part of the IOM’s Prepare, Prevent, Protect (PPP) program which aims to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, with support and humanitarian assistance from the German government.  (Jasmine Mohammadsali)