Filipino boxing icon Sen. Manny Pacquiao and Jack Ma. (Photo from Jinkee Pacquiao’s Instagram)
MANILA, Philippines — Chinese billionaire and Alibaba founder Jack Ma will be donating an additional 50,000 COVID-19 testing kits to the Philippines, Senator Manny Pacquiao said.
“Patuloy tayong nagko-communicate (with) Jack Ma, pati yung sa ibang mga kaibigan natin, marami na ngang nagdo-donate din,” Pacquiao said in an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel on Thursday when asked about the continuing efforts his foundation to help in the country’s COVID-19 response.
(We continue to communicate with Jack Ma, as well as with some of my friends who are also donating).
“And then good thing na si Jack Ma magbibigay pa ulit ng 50,000 testing kits,” he added.
Pacquiao said he has yet to receive information on when the donated testing kits will arrive in the country.
In March, the Chinese billionaire donated 57,000 testing kits worth P400 million to the Philippines, which were turned over by Pacquiao’s foundation to the Department of Health (DOH).
Aside from testing kits, Ma also donated 500,000 face masks.
To date, Philippine health officials have confirmed 10,004 COVID-19 cases in the country.
One thousand five hundred six patients have so far recovered while 658 others perished.