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Air Force transports PCR machines, other equipment from China

By Priam Nepomuceno

May 20, 2020, 10:23 am

<p><strong>ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES.</strong> Medical equipment and supplies transported by the Philippine Air Force from Hunan, China are turned over to Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin (2nd from left) and representatives of the office of Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship, Secretary Joey Concepcion, at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Tuesday (May 19, 2020). The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines, automated extraction machines, bio-safety cabinets, and test kits were donated by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship through Project Ark and will be distributed to recipient hospitals in the country. <em>(Photo courtesy of the Air Force Public Affairs Office)</em></p>

ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES. Medical equipment and supplies transported by the Philippine Air Force from Hunan, China are turned over to Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin (2nd from left) and representatives of the office of Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship, Secretary Joey Concepcion, at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Tuesday (May 19, 2020). The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines, automated extraction machines, bio-safety cabinets, and test kits were donated by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship through Project Ark and will be distributed to recipient hospitals in the country. (Photo courtesy of the Air Force Public Affairs Office)

MANILA – A Philippine Air Force (PAF) Lockheed C-130 cargo aircraft flew to China on Tuesday to pick up and transport to the country medical equipment and supplies needed to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Aristides Galang, PAF spokesperson, said the C-130 and its crew landed in Hunan, China to pick up and deliver to the Philippines urgently-needed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines, automated extraction machines, bio-safety cabinets, and test kits.

All of these items, weighing 13,483 pounds, were flown to Villamor Airbase, Pasay City later in the day, and were turned over to Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin and representatives of the office of Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship, Secretary Joey Concepcion.

Galang said the machines and test kits were donated by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship through Project Ark (Antibody Rapid Test Kits), which will be turned over to recipient hospitals in the country.

The PAF medical teams and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives personnel of the 710th Special Operations Wing were present during the arrival of the C-130 to ensure that all cargoes and personnel went through the preventive disinfection and decontamination process.

"The PAF pilots and crew dedicated all their skills and efforts to ensure that the much needed medical supplies and other essential equipment are successfully transported. Undoubtedly, their sacrifices are a clear manifestation that the welfare of the Filipino people is their first priority in support of the 'Bayanihan to Heal as One Act'," Galang said. (PNA)

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