Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said that he will ask for three million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from the national government for vaccination of 70 percent of the province’s total population.
This was after vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez informed the members of the League of Provinces of the Philippines during a virtual meeting that the national government will take care the vaccination of 70 percent of the country’s population.
Lacson said that Galvez reported to them that the national government has secured 148 million doses of vaccines for 78 million individuals.
The three million doses he will request will cover 1.5 million Negrenses, which is equivalent to 70 percent of the Negros Occidental population, he added.
The governor said that it was stressed during the dialog with Galvez that nobody can be forced to be inoculated.
“It still depends on the individual if he wants to,” he said.
The provincial government of Negros Occidental already entered into a multi-lateral contract with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Philippines Inc. for the purchase of 100,000 doses for 50,000 individuals.
Various component cities in Negros Occidental also signified their intention to purchase vaccines for their respective constituents, as well some municipalities, including E.B. Magalona, Toboso and Hinobaan.
During the virtual meeting, Lacson said that Galvez encouraged provincial governments to consolidate orders of their respective local government units.
Even with the vaccines, the governor said that the people should still observe the minimum health protocols, especially now with the detection of more transferable COVID-19 UK variant.
“Remember that the use of face mask, face shield, the observance of proper physical distancing and the exercise of proper hygiene remain to be our most effective tools against the transmission of the virus”, Lacson said.
“We have been in this pandemic for several months already and now is the time to be more vigilant than ever; for protecting ourselves is tantamount to protecting our family and everyone around us,” he added. – GB
