Metro Manila, Philippines—  Filipinos can now confirm their COVID-19 vaccination status when traveling to member states of the European Union (EU) through the country’s ‘VaxCertPH’ after the EU welcomed the Philippines to its digital COVID certificate system.

“The Philippines is now connected to the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) system! This means that, as a result of the equivalence decision, the EU recognises the Philippines’ COVID-19 vaccination certificates and, at the same time, the Philippines accept[s] to recognise EUDCC certificates according to its own legal order,” the EU in the Philippines said in a statement.

“Following discussions between the European Union and the Philippines, the European Commission adopted an Implementing Decision giving technical recognition to the Philippines’ VaxCertPH as equivalent to the EUDCC,” it added.

This means those holding the country’s vaccination certificate can use it the same way as those holding the EUDCC. In turn, those holding the EUDCC can also use it to confirm their vaccination status when traveling to the Philippines.

“The European Union regards this as an important milestone in ensuring expedite and safe travel and people’s mobility,” EU Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Dr Ana Isabel Sánchez Ruiz said.

She also thanked government agencies involved in the process, as well as those who have given their support.

The Philippines is the sixth ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) country to be included in the EUDCC system after Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Vietnam.

The EU in the Philippines added that at present, there are a total of 75 countries and territories connected to the system.

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