The national government is sticking to its target of administering seven million doses of vaccine during the second phase of its simultaneous vaccination drive against Covid-19 despite the decision to suspend the event in areas to be hit by Tropical Storm Rai, Malacañang said on Tuesday.
Acting Presidential Spokesperson, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles made this statement after the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) announced its plan to move phase 2 of the “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” vaccination days in storm-affected areas to Dec. 20 to 22 instead of Dec. 15 to 17.
“The target remains the same—yung seven million na target natin para sa ‘Bayanihan, Bakunahan’,” Nograles said in a Palace press briefing.
He expressed confidence that local government units (LGUs), including those affected by the storm, will meet its respective targets.
“If we all meet our targets then collectively, we will all collectively meet the seven million-mark set for ‘Bayanihan, Bakunahan’ phase 2,” he added.
The Philippines aims to surpass its target of fully vaccinating 54 million Filipinos by yearend.
To date, nearly 38 million Filipinos have been fully inoculated against Covid-19
In an advisory, the NVOC said phase 2 of “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” will be moved to Dec. 20 to 22 in Regions 5 (Bicol), 4-B (Mimaropa), 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas), 8 (Eastern Visayas), 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula), 10 (Northern Mindanao), 11 (Davao), 12 (Soccsksargen), Caraga, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The NVOC said this is to “prioritize the safety of constituents, healthcare workers and volunteers, and vaccines above anything else.”
Other parts of the country will proceed with the simultaneous vaccination drive on Dec. 15 to 17.
President Rodrigo Duterte, in his recent Talk to the People, urged the public to cooperate with national and local authorities should there be a need for evacuation or other necessary actions amid the threat posed by the tropical storm.
He directed government agencies and LGUs to ensure that Filipinos, especially those who are on or near the tropical storm’s projected path, to keep monitoring the situation and conduct all necessary preparations and precautions.
Meanwhile, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) enjoined all government agencies and their officials and employees to volunteer in the “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” vaccine drive.
“Volunteers shall be considered on official business and in the performance of their functions and shall be entitled to official travel allowances and other related expenses subject to the availability of funds and pertinent accounting, auditing, and budgeting rules and regulations,” the CSC said on its advisory.
In its weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said “Rai” was last tracked 1,380 kilometers east of Mindanao, outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
“Rai” is expected to enter PAR Tuesday night and once inside PAR, it will be named “Odette” and is forecast to reach the typhoon category by Wednesday. (PNA)
