The local arm of Japanese automotive titan Toyota has extended help to the country's frontliners  that are combating the dreaded Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-CoronaVirus (SARS-COV). The said disease which has already claimed numerous lives, both in the country and globally. Through the efforts of newly-minted president of Toyota Motor Philippines Atsuhiro Okamoto, the number one automotive manufacturer in the country has decided to lend some 47 units to the frontliners. In his Facebook post, Okamoto revealed that the idea of lending out units came upon from suggestions in his social media page.  "From my last post, I got very good suggestions from my Facebook friends to lend support to our frontliners, in whatever way we can. I would like to thank you for your suggestions!"

He said that their team immediately coordinated with various local government units (LGUs) and government hospitals, so that they can already get the vehicles to be utilized for the daily transportation of health workers.

" Rest assured that we are doing the best we can, even in small ways," Okamoto said. As of publishing, 23 out of the 47 units have already been rolled out, while waiting for the other hospitals and agencies. The lend-out units are either brand new Toyota Vios or regularly maintained test drive vehicles from their stable.  The duration of the lending of units— which has an allocation of 2-3 units per hospital or LGU—will be until April 15, with a possibility to extend as needed.  As of the moment, below are the list that has received such support from Toyota.

• Binangonan Lakeview Hospital
• City of Manila / Mayor Isko Moreno
• East Avenue Medical Center
• Mary Johnston Hospital
• Navotas City DRRMO
• Ospital ng Makati
• Philippine General Hospital
• Santa Rosa Community Hospital
• Unihealth Parañaque Hospital and Medical Center

"I hope that with our combined efforts, and everyone doing their part, we can fight COVID-19! Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay strong, PILIPINAS!" Okamoto noted. Okamoto officially took the leadership of TMP last month, after replacing Satoru Suzuki. Prior to his local stint, Okamato was executive vice president of Toyota Motor Asia Pacific.

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