Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson. Photo from the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental Facebook page
BACOLOD CITY –– Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson has strongly encouraged all provincial government employees to submit themselves for inoculation against COVID-19 as the “Barangay Kapitolyo” vaccination drive is set to start Thursday, May 20.
“We cannot force anybody, but we will strongly encourage them to take this opportunity. Experts tell us that the vaccine would be the final solution for us to end this pandemic,” he said.
“We are already wearing face masks and shields and practicing social distancing and proper hygiene. Vaccination is part of the whole protocol in the fight against COVID-19,” he added.
The Barangay Kapitolyo mass vaccination would start with senior citizens and persons with comorbidities, followed by the rest of the employees, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said.
The Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (PACE) welcomed the vaccination drive and was grateful to the provincial government headed by the governor for his concern for the entire workforce, PACE president Renelo Lastierre said.
“The employees of this province are not exempt from the effects of this pandemic. Hence, protecting the workers, who serve this province, shall be primordial to the continuous delivery of public services,” he said.
Dr. Jessica Fama, the medical specialist of the Provincial Health Office, said they are conducting an inventory of the senior citizens and persons with comorbidities at the Capitol for an orderly vaccination drive at the Negros Residences at Gatuslao Street in Bacolod City.