Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano (center) and Taguig Rep. Lani Cayetano (left) lead the launching of the drive-thru coronavirus testing services in a testing facility set up in Bonifacio Global City in Barangay Fort Bonifacio. Photo from Taguig LGU Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines — Taguig City on Tuesday said it allocated P1 billion under the city’s 2021 budget to purchase vaccines against the coronavirus disease as the city government plans to provide free vaccines for all its residents.
“Included in the recovery budget is P1 billion for their vaccine roll out plan, where they want to ensure every citizen has access to the free COVID-19 vaccine,” read the Taguig Public Information Office statement.
The P1-billion budget for the vaccines is just part of the P13.5-billion “recovery budget” for 2021, which includes the testing and provision of treatment and quarantine facilities for those infected.
In the same statement, Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano assured his constituents that the local government also started “exploring talks” with COVID-19 vaccine suppliers.
“We are working closely with the Joint Task Force and the Department of Health for the allotment of vaccines for Taguig but are also already talking to suppliers for our own procurement once we are given the green light. We are also set to launch our model vaccine stations and out citizens ID this January. Both are important components of the vaccine rollout plan,” Cayetano said.
Cayatano also noted that the locality would still pursue its testing efforts amid its preparation for the vaccination program.
“Testing continues throughout 2021; that our free testing in 30 health centers and two drive-through sites continue and we’ll continue to invest in healthcare and treatment,” said Cayetano.
As of Jan. 4, Taguig City documented a total of 10,681 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 10,515 recoveries and 157 deaths.
The Taguig mayor assures citizens that the city has prepared early for all COVID contingencies and reminds citizens that vaccination is important but it is just one component in the continued fight against COVID.
“We need to continue to be vigilant and be responsible,” Cayetano added.
Taguig has the lowest active cases in Metro Manila to end 2020 and is confident it will lead in the transition to the new normal.
“Balance between finally opening up all remaining aspects of the economy and getting people back to work; getting kids back to school and finally getting all aspects of society back on track will be the most important goals of 2021,” he highlighted.