Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Health (DOH) in support of the Philippine government’s efforts to address the mobility needs of healthcare workers at this time of the COVID-19 pandemic.  TMP announced that it is donating a total of thirty (30) Vios units to various public hospitals in Metro Manila and Laguna.

DOH hosted the event at its Central Office in Sta. Cruz, Manila with Secretary Francisco Duque III heading the ceremony. Showing strong support to the government, Toyota officials in attendance were Chairman Alfred V. Ty, Vice Chairman David Go, and President Atsuhiro Okamoto. The event was also graced by Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Koji Haneda who continuously promotes strong ties between the Japanese business community, the Philippine government and the Filipino society at-large.

In his short message during the simple ceremony, TMP president Okamoto commended healthcare workers for their sacrifice and hard work, saying, “Toyota salutes all healthcare workers in the country - the brave heroes who continue to work relentlessly to care for the sick and preserve life… Please accept Toyota’s humble contribution of providing mobility services through our proudly Philippine-made and ever dependable Toyota Vios.”

Culminating the simple event was the actual turnover of one (1) Vios unit each to Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, San Lazaro Hospital, and San Lorenzo Ruiz Women’s Hospital. TMP will complete the turnover of units to identified public hospitals by July 2020.

Toyota strongly believes that providing mobility to healthcare frontliners will help in the country’s current battle with the pandemic.

TMP Chairman Alfred V. Ty remarked, “I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the Philippine government for its strong leadership during this difficult time. And, of course, I send our utmost appreciation to all our front liners for their outstanding dedication and selflessness.”

He further assured Toyota’s role in assisting the country at this time, saying, “As a strong partner for nation building, we are committed to heed the call of Filipinos as they begin to rebuild their lives. We need to help them get back to work every day. We have to make sure that we can take them to the hospital when they need care. We must ensure that essential workers can transport themselves to their work places to care for our loved ones. When we can once again move freely, we will be there to bring families and friends together.”

On top of the vehicle donation, TMP, in partnership with Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF), currently provides ten (10) connected and sanitized shuttles to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) health workers. All shuttles are in compliance to the “new normal” guidelines to ensure that healthcare workers are well-protected.