Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano (left) shows one of the many vaccination sites in Taguig City to guests, including World Health Organization representative Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe and vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez, who visited the Lakeshore vaccination hub. Photo from Taguig PIO
MANILA, Philippines — The World Health Organization (WHO) cited the Taguig local government for its “efficient” COVID-19 vaccination rollout as the city vaccinated about 4,000 people every day.
WHO country representative Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, speaking at the symbolic vaccination of 7,020 Pfizer vaccines in the Lakeshore Mega Vaccination Hub last week, lauded Taguig’s “extensive preparation and attention to detail” in planning and execution.
“We are encouraged by what we see,” Abeyasinghe was quoted as saying. “We are very happy to report that to our COVAX partners as we move towards mobilizing additional vaccines for the Philippines.”
Abeyasinghe cited Taguig’s establishment of a training center, where medical experts and practitioners undergo a seminar on proper handling of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as the city’s process that allows for an efficient vaccination of those on the national government’s priority list.
In a related note, Taguig Mayor Lino Cayetano on Monday reported that the city has been vaccinating 4,000 people a day and is set to increase daily jabs to 5,000 by next week.
“At 5,000 vaccinations a day, we can vaccinate all Taguigeños with two doses by December this year,” Cayeteno said in a statement.
READ: Taguig City aims for herd immunity by November; eyes 10,000 vaccinations a day
Taguig has since vaccinated 49,636 individuals, according to the latest available data from the local government.
Abeyasinghe urges other towns and cities to follow Taguig’s example and possibly “duplicate that where such processes have not already been established.”
“As we roll out the vaccines, we need local government ownership,” said Abeyasinghe. “We need a partnership with key partners on the ground. So let us all come together, cooperate and work together to ensure that the people of Taguig and the people of the Philippines are protected, and we can heal as one in this nation,” he added.
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