Manila City gov’t to set aside P200M to buy COVID-19 vaccine

Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The city government of Manila will earmark P200 million in its 2021 budget for the purchase of a COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes available.

Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso made the announcement on Friday, saying it is a part of the local government’s preparations for the “end game.”

Moreno said the decision was made following his discussion with some pharmaceutical companies, and later with Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna, who is a doctor by profession, regarding the next steps the city must take in response to the pandemic.

“Mga kababayan, maghahanda na po tayo ng pondo para bumili ng bakuna at kung ang bakunang ito’y darating sa lalong madaling panahon, ang Lungsod ng Maynila ay kahit papano, kung papayagan na makabili direkta sa isang approved by a particular agencies government, including of the national agencies, [ay] makapagtabi na tayo ng pananalapi,” he said.

Moreno also said he is now coordinating with pharmaceutical companies about the timeline for the vaccine so the city government will be able to plan better on its next action.

The city mayor, however, made it clear that a vaccine is not yet available and that he is simply informing his constituents that the city government’s preparation for its possible arrival is underway.

“‘Wag niyo hong isipin na may bakuna na ah. Ipinagpapauna ko lang ang paghahanda natin sa end game because the only end game to this is the vaccine,” Moreno said.

“So while we are trying to thrive or to survive, o magpaharimunan tayo ngayon kahit papano, makapamuhay tayo ng maayos kahit na may COVID-19, tinitingnan na natin ‘yung immediate future,” the local chief executive added.

KGA