THE government announced that more than 10 million Filipinos are now fully protected against the deadly Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19).
The National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF) credits this milestone due to the strong synergy between the national government, local government units and the private sector in the implementation of the national vaccination program,
As of August 4, a total of 22,488,705 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered nationwide, wherein 10,282,152 individuals have now been fully-vaccinated, while 12,206,553 have received their first dose.
Secretary Vivencio Dizon, NTF deputy chief implementer and testing czar, emphasized the government’s commitment to accelerate the implementation and expand the coverage of the vaccination program.
“Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t hindi nababakunahan ang ating mga kababayan, at finally matapos na natin itong bangungot na COVID-19 na ito,” Dizon said.
To mark the occasion, a ceremonial vaccination was held at the SM Megamall, where two other milestones were also celebrated: the 102-percent vaccination rate of senior citizens in the City of Mandaluyong, and the two million individuals who have been vaccinated in SM Supermalls nationwide.
Meanwhile, Bien Mateo, senior vice president for operations of SM Supermalls, pledged the company’s continued support to the government’s vaccination program.
“We will open our 67 mall vaccination venues, as we go on in ECQ in the coming weeks, in cooperation with the LGUs nationwide,” Mateo said.
On the other hand, Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos admitted that convincing their senior citizens to get the jab was initially a major challenge.
“Ang hirap nga pong mag-convince, alam n’yo naman pag senior citizen, talagang lahat na yata ng pagsuyo, lambing, gagawin mo para lamang madala mo ito sa vaccination site,” Abalos shared.
Despite this, the mayor said the city government was able to vaccinate 30,508 senior citizens, composed of 29,749 registered elderly and 759 others who were not officially registered in Mandaluyong, which translates to a 102.55-percent vaccination rate for the city’s senior citizens.
Of the 30,508 who received the jab, a total of 25,395, or 83 percent, are fully vaccinated, while 5,113, or 17 percent are awaiting their second dose.
As the National Capital Region (NCR) prepares to be placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) starting August 6, the government is determined to ramp up vaccinations to protect more people from the deadly virus.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Benjamin Abalos, Jr. warned the public against the proliferation of fake news, which prompted residents to troop to vaccination sites, resulting in long queues and overcrowding. He said that certain individuals were spreading false information that only vaccinated individuals will be given cash assistance by the government.
“‘Wag na ‘wag kayong maniniwala sa fake news. Wala hong katotohanan ‘yun. Mababakunahan tayo, antayin ninyo ang schedule n’yo, nandiyan po ang mga alkalde, magiging maayos po ang lahat, magiging maayos ang pila, and let’s make sure walang makakahawa,” Abalos said.
For his part, Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., National Task Force against COVID-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar, said that with 10 million Filipinos now fully-vaccinated, the country is moving closer to its goal of achieving population protection by the end of the year.
On August 3, the country recorded its highest daily vaccination rate, with 702,013 jabs administered.
“We are seeing our vaccination numbers going up relative to the steady arrival of larger vaccine deliveries. These milestones should encourage us to continue working harder to further raise our vaccination throughput,” Galvez said.
Galvez also appealed to the public for their patience and understanding, as he gave the assurance that additional vaccines will be deployed in their areas once more doses arrive.
“No need to panic because everyone will get the jab. The government will not rest until all Filipinos are protected against COVID-19,” Galvez said.