The provincial government of Surigao del Norte is considering the allocation of PHP50 million next year as a standby fund for the much-needed coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines.

Gov. Francisco T. Matugas announced this Monday during the regular “Monday morning sharing” at the Provincial Convention Center in Surigao City.

“I have already discussed this matter with Vice Governor Geed Gokiangkee. We have seen the importance of having standby fund for the vaccines,” Matugas said.

He said the proposed funding is part of the provincial government’s continuing drive to protect Surigao del Norte residents from the dreaded virus.

Roberto Parada of the provincial information office said the standby fund would enable the provincial government to immediately purchase the vaccine once it is available in the country.

Surigao del Norte 1st Dist. Rep. Francisco Jose F. Matugas II also welcomed the plan while noting that Congress has allocated PHP72 billion in the 2021 budget for the vaccines.

The Department of Health in Caraga (DOH-13) said that as of Dec. 13, Surigao del Norte has 28 active Covid-19 cases out of the 324 total infections since the start of the pandemic.

Surigao City, the DOH-13 said, has remaining 27 active Covid-19 cases out of the 339 confirmed infections. (PNA)