We wish to assure our countrymen that the Office of the President is providing the needed funds of the DOH, DOST and UP Manila’s National Institutes of Health in the production of the diagnostic kits for the COVID-19 tests.

Manila Healthtek, on the other hand, is prepared to do the production of bigger quantities required to respond to the present crisis, in addition to its present inventory once the imported raw materials arrive.

DOST categorically states that it is not in any way involved in the call by some groups for donations regarding access to test kits. Sufficient funds are available.

For those in the private sector who wish to donate funds, we suggest they coordinate either with the DOH, PGH, DSWD or the LGUs to ensure its rightful receipt and best use.

We urge the public to be wary of false narratives being circulated in the social media that the national government is short of funds to address the national health emergency thereby creating apprehension and panic among the populace.

We assure our people that we are prepared to use to the fullest the resources of the government to arrest the spread of the disease and secure the safety and health of the citizenry.

We appeal to everyone to observe strictly the protocols espoused by the IATF on personal hygiene and social distancing that we may protect each other from being potential carrier and transmitter of COVID-19.

Fortunato de la Pena
Secretary, DOST

Salvador S. Panelo
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel
& Presidential Spokesperson