Israel Donates COVID-19 Test Kits to Department of National Defense

Israel Ministry of Defense – SIBAT donated 10,000 COVID-19 test kits to the Department of National Defense of the Republic of the Philippines to further aid the military's COVID-19 response.

The handover ceremony of the COVID-19 test kits was headed by Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines H.E. Rafael Harpaz. The Israel Ministry of Defense – SIBAT was represented by Defense Attaché Mr. Raz Shabtay.

Handover of the 10,000 COVID-19 Test Kits to the Department of National Defense

In Photo (L-R): Asec. Jesus Rey R. Avilla of OASLA, Asec. Hernando Caraig Jr. of OCD,

DND Sec. Delfin N. Lorenzana, Ambassador Rafael Harpaz, and Defense Attaché Mr. Raz Shabtay

Ambassador Harpaz said that Israel and the Philippines are friends and allies when it comes to military modernization and capability upgrade, and in these challenging times, both countries join forces to combat COVID-19.

Defense Attaché Mr. Shabtay stressed in his message the importance of multiple checks and early diagnosis of the COVID-19 virus carriers. “I hope that this humble contribution will assist in those efforts while we wait for a vaccine,” Mr. Shabtay said.

In a meeting, the officials and diplomats discussed strengthening and expanding the defense cooperation between Israel and the Philippines, which includes counterterrorism, sharing of military technologies and experience, and more.

In attendance to the handover ceremony were designated Philippine Ambassador to Israel General Macairog Alberto, Asec. Leslie Baja of OMEAA, Usec. Raymundo DV Elefante of OUSFM, Asec. Teodoro Cirilo T. Torralba III of OASAIA, Asec. Jesus Rey R. Avilla of OASLA, and Asec. Hernando Caraig Jr. of OCD.

The ceremony was held on 5 November 2020 at the DND Social Hall, 3^rd Floor, DND Building, Segundo Ave., Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Israel also recently donated personal protective equipment to the first responders of the Department of National Defense and the Philippine National Police.