The municipal government of Guagua has allocated PhP5-million fund for the procurement of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vacines.
In an interview, Mayor Dante Torres said this amount will cover the purchase for the first dose of vaccines for frontliners and health care workers in the town.
“Initially, we have set the amount at PhP5 million. However, we will still try to see the situation. Depending on what will happen or the need, we can still extend this up to PhP20 million so that more Guaguaeños will be immunized against COVID-19,” he said.
However, the mayor said that the local government has yet to decide which brand of vaccine to use.
“To date, we have not yet talked to any vaccine manufacturer or distributor. We are still seeking guidance from the Department of Health and Department of the Interior and Local Government regarding this to ensure the safety of those who will receive the vaccines,” Torres said.
The local chief executive added that one of the issues that has to be addressed in the town is the willingness of the people to be vaccinated.
“We conducted a survey on how many of our residents are willing to be immunized. The result showed us that only 60 percent are willing due to past vaccine controversies. So aside from the procurement of vaccines, we also need to educate them more to regain their trust and confidence on vaccines,” the mayor said.
Once a vaccine is made available for use in the town, Torres said priority will be given to frontline workers including municipal employees, police and fire officers, health care workers and barangay health workers, as well as senior citizens.
“Our program on vaccines is more of augmentation. We still need the help of the provincial and the national government. But at least, with this, we can comply with the requirements of the national and at the same time ensure the safety of our people against the disease,” he said.
Meanwhile, Torres said that COVID-19 cases in the town are stable and the response efforts of the local government is effective.
While waiting for the vaccines, he reminded the public to continue strict adherence to minimum public health standards such as wearing of face masks and shields; proper handwashing and alcohol use; and physical distancing, among others.