China Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian on Monday said the Chinese government will provide USD1.07 million to support medical waste management efforts in the Philippines amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, the envoy said the project, funded under the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund, aims to “effectively improve” the Philippines’ response to Covid-19 in the areas of waste management and preparedness.

Specifically, he said the project would provide “appropriate health care waste treatment facilities” to two hospitals and provide capacity building on waste management and knowledge sharing from China’s healthcare professionals, local government staff, and other essential service providers.

“I would like to extend my deep appreciation to UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) and relevant government departments of the Philippines for all the efforts on this project,” he said.

It was not mentioned yet which hospitals will benefit from the assistance, although Pasig Mayo Vico Sotto was part of the online meeting.

On July 29, Huang said China will “donate more and substantively increase” the supply of vaccines to the Philippines.

In 2010, the UNDP and Chinese government signed the agreement on strengthening South-South cooperation, marking the first time that China signed an agreement with a multilateral partner, according to the United Nations body that works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. (PNA)