Malacañang enjoined local government units in areas not affected by Typhoon Odette to ramp up their vaccination efforts, including on weekends.
This was after acting Presidential Spokesperson, Cabinet Sec. Karlo Nograles, said the national government is sticking to its goal of fully vaccinating 54 million Filipinos by yearend despite the postponement of vaccination in areas hit by the typhoon.
He said changes in vaccination targets of LGUs were done to consider what is happening on the ground after the typhoon.
“This means we are mindful, aware, and sensitive to the realities on the ground, especially to those affected by Typhoon Odette. And we know that local government units hit by Typhoon Odette will still be very busy in all their repair, rehab, recovery efforts for their constituents,” Nograles said.
He said LGUs affected by the typhoon could resume inoculation after prioritizing rehabilitation efforts.
“To those affected by Typhoon Odette, of course, the priority will be their rehab and recovery but if as soon as they’re ready, if they’re ready within the year, and if we see that we could give them a little push for the vaccination efforts there, we will do the same,” he said.
The Philippines aims to fully vaccinate more than 54 million Filipinos by yearend through the second phase of its simultaneous vaccination drive against Covid-19, “Bayanihan, Bakunahan”.
As of Tuesday, 58.71 percent of the country’s target population or more than 45 million Filipinos are fully vaccinated.
The first Bayanihan, Bakunahan was held from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 and was extended until Dec. 3 in some areas. – PNA
