PH gov't, private sector close deal for 20 million doses of Moderna vaccines

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 19) — The Philippines has signed a tripartite agreement with American manufacturer Moderna to receive 20 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine.

Under the tripartite agreement signed on Thursday, the Philippine government secured 13 million doses of Moderna vaccines, while the private sector — led by business tycoon Enrique Razon — ordered 7 million vaccine doses for its frontline workers.

The negotiations to acquire Moderna vaccines have been in progress since last year, with Philippine Ambassador to the United States Babes Romualdez helping close the deal.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said that with the signing of the tripartite agreement, the country will be able realize its goal of having a “steady supply of vaccines” throughout the year.

Romualdez previously said the vaccines could be delivered by mid-year.

Other vaccines acquired through tripartite deals have yet to reach the country.

As of March 17, 269,583 medical frontliners and health workers have been inoculated nationwide.