Makati gov’t announces free COVID-19 vaccine for ‘Makatizens’

MANILA, Philippines — Makati City Mayor Abby Binay on Monday announced on Twitter that all residents of the city will be soon provided free COVID-19 vaccines.

“Naglaan kami ng P1 Billion para tiyakin na walang gagastusin ang bawat Makatizen na mabibigyan ng bakuna. Libre. Ligtas. Para sa lahat,” Binay said.

(We allocated P1 billion to ensure that each Makatizen will be given free vaccines. Free. Safe. For everyone.)

She added that officials of the city government have started working with vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. and the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) regarding the vaccine purchase and the process for the city-wide inoculation.

“This is our number one priority for 2021. I want each and every Makatizen to receive both doses of the coronavirus vaccine for free to protect them and their families against the virus,” Binay said in a separate statement.

“We’ve seen the damage it can do both to human lives and our economy. After everything we’ve lost this year, we will do whatever it takes to protect our residents, employees, and our business community,” she added.

According to Binay, an additional budget will be requested once the IATF gives them approval.

“We will exhaust all means to get the much-needed vaccines early and have all Makatizens vaccinated. The city will also assist companies and businesses that would like to buy vaccines for their employees and workers. We are aiming for 100 percent  vaccination in Makati,” she said.

The mayor added that pre-registration for the free vaccine will be soon available for the citizens of Makati or the “Makatizens.”

“Guidelines for online registration to be announced soon. I want the free COVID-19 vaccine to be available and accessible to ALL Makatizens. Stay safe!” she posted on Twitter.