Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, H.E. Hjayceelyn Quintana recently visited the UAE’s ongoing COVID-19 vaccine trials to check on Filipino frontliners who have been actively supporting the UAE’s mission to find a vaccine against the coronavirus disease.
Amb. Quintana met with Dr. Waleed Zaher, Chief Research Officer for Group 42, who gave her a run-through of the process that each volunteer experiences from the registration process, until the actual vaccination.
There, the ambassador met with several Filipino frontliners numbering almost 200, each responsible for different phases of the COVID-19 vaccine journey, across the entire facility located at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
Michael Siapno, the overall nurse team leader for the UAE’s COVID-19 Vaccine Mission at ADNEC states that Amb. Quintana’s visit is a great moral support for Filipino frontliners who have been working nonstop to help the UAE find the cure against COVID-19.
“It was indeed special to have Philippine Ambassador in our midst, our team really appreciates the time that you took out to guide us , that despite of your busy schedule, you still found time to give us moral support and encouragement during these times,” said Siapno.
Jose Zaphiel Capuno, a Filipino nurse team leader at the ADNEC COVID-19 vaccine mission stated that Amb. Quintana’s visit affirms the Philippine government’s acknowledgment of the vital role that Filipino nurses play in the journey to help fellow Filipinos find a suitable vaccine against this pandemic.
“Having our efforts recognized by the Philippine government provided an added boost to our morale. Also, I think it is important that our country knows that Filipino nurses are actively involved in the vaccination trials and even though we are miles away from home, the success of this project will ultimately help our fellow countrymen,” said Capuno.
Rogelio Buezon Jr., nurse manager at the UAE’s COVID-19 vaccine mission, meanwhile said that it’s great to see that the Philippine government recognizes the tireless efforts of Filipino frontliners in the region.
“We are privileged and grateful to see our Ambassador taking time in visiting the Filipino Frontliners. This is a great way to send a message of hope that the Philippine government values the efforts of frontliners like us, especially during these times,” said Buezon.
Amb. Quintana also gained insights as to how the Philippines can learn from the UAE’s systematic COVID-19 vaccine trials, ahead of the upcoming trials to take place in the country this coming October 2020.
