By Gerard Naval and Jocelyn Montemayor
THE three-day national vaccination program started yesterday without any major problem, and officials reported at least 547,000 individuals inoculated against COVID-19 at the launch of the “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” drive.
Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, chief of the National Vaccination Operations Center, said 547,628 vaccinees were reported as of 3 p.m. yesterday but this could be higher as many sites have yet to submit reports.
Government hopes to vaccinate nine million to 10 million individuals during the three-day event, down from the original 15-million target.
“These jabs were reported from 2,974 vaccination sites, from 903 LGUs (local government units) or 48 percent of the 1,600 LGUs that are supposed to be submitting reports,” Cabotaje said in a briefing.
Cabotaje said there was a “good turnout” in vaccination sites.
“There is a warm response from the people. We saw very many lines, long lines, as early 4 a.m.,” said Cabotaje. “We’ll see a better picture tomorrow morning. But we’re confident that the real turnout is good.”
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, a key member of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, said the first day was “very orderly.”
“We have a good assessment because people flocked (to the vaccination sites),” he said.
He said the number of vaccinees as of noon yesterday was 1.2 million.
“It’s going smoothly,” said Carlito Galvez, vaccine czar and chief of the National Task Force against COVID-19, as he expressed hope the goal of 3 million jabs a day is achievable.
President Duterte urged the people anew to get vaccinated as he led the launch at the SM Masinag in Antipolo City.
“This is our single biggest push to fast-track vaccination,” Duterte said.
He said government is hoping the “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” will bring the country closer to its goal of fully vaccinating 54 million adult Filipinos by year end, including 80 percent of the 12 to 17 years age group.
He said the government also aims to complete the booster shots for those belonging to A1 (health care workers), A2 (elders), and A3 (with comorbidities) sectors before the year ends.
Galvez said the November 29-December Bayanihan, Bakunahan and another one set for December 15 to 17, aim to vaccinate at least 18 million individuals.
At least 8,000 vaccinations sites nationwide have been opened for the event.
Galvez also said the new Omicron variant has made the campaign even more important.
“It is better to be prepared for the effects of Omicron,” he told CNN Philippines.
DOH data showed the Calabarzon region had the most number of vaccinees yesterday with 105,832 followed by Central Luzon with 84,004 and Eastern Visayas with 54,937.
Areas wit the lowest number of vaccinees were the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with 1,204 followed by Western Visayas with 2,273 and National Capital Region with 4,467.
Año said he went to Sta Rosa sports complex in Laguna yesterday and personally saw a large number of people who lined up to get themselves vaccinated.
“So far, we have not monitored any issues and problems when it comes to safety and security. So far it’s okay,” said Año.
He said people were following minimum public health standards, including wearing of face mask, while in the vaccination sites. “There were no reported violations. The preparations of the LGUs (local government units) and the police are satisfactory,” he said.
In a briefing in Camp Crame, PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said the PNP deployed a seven vaccination teams.
AFP chief Gen. Lt. Gen. Andres Centino said the military has organized vaccine action teams that were deployed to different parts of the country.
The Army deployed 13 medical teams, including two in Metro Manila. — With Victor Reyes
