MANILA -- Video-sharing app TikTok is helping the Philippines in its fight against COVID-19 as it pledged to donate $1 million to Philippine General Hospital Medical Foundation Inc. (PGHMFI).
PGHMFI is a non-profit organization that is a major partner of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).
The fund will help provide protective gear and equipment as well as relief for health care workers, according to a statement released by TikTok on Thursday.
"Nothing's as priceless as a community that comes together in times of crisis and does their part to battle against it. PGHMFI greatly appreciates the enormous support from TikTok, which will help us secure PPEs and essential supplies to the front line health care professionals of PGH," PGHMFI president Dr. Telesforo Gana said.
"This is truly a big help as the PGH continues to fulfill its role as a government-designated COVID-19 hospital. With coordinated efforts, we believe we can prevent a greater outbreak, save more lives and start healing," Gana added.
Helena Lersch, global public policy director for TikTok, for her part, praised Filipinos' resilience amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"TikTok could attest to the Filipino resilience. We have witnessed how the Filipino community managed to look out for each other and bring a smile or deliver a message of hope despite the gravity of the situation," Lersch said.
"We are grateful that TikTok has been part of Filipinos' everyday lives. We hope that this donation will give our medical frontliners the best equipment and supplies that will lead to the healing of the Philippines. From the bottom of our hearts, maraming salamat Pinoy community, and salamat, frontliners!"
TikTok users in the Philippines have been showing their support for health care workers through the #salamatfrontliners campaign, which has received 29,742 videos and 56,209,777 views.
In response, frontliners also took to TikTok to share their messages of hope and inspiration, with some of them dancing to "Fight Song" as they continue their battle against the novel coronavirus.
source: news.abs-cbn.com
