Duterte sees ’light at end of the tunnel’ as more vaccines arrive in PH

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte expressed optimism in ending the COVID-19 pandemic as more vaccines arrive in the Philippines and as the government starts vaccinating economic frontliners or those under the A4 priority group.

“We can now see the light at the end of the tunnel as the vaccine shipments have arrived, and have started to arrive in bulk,” Duterte said in a taped message aired Monday during the symbolic vaccination of workers under the A4 category.

“With the start of our mass vaccination, the A4 priority category is workers in both public and private sector will have an added layer of protection against the disease,” he added.

The President also reminded those who have already been vaccinated to continue adhering to minimum health protocols.

“To my dear kababayans, let us keep in mind that vaccination is the only way forward for us to overcome this pandemic,” Duterte said.

“But we must also remember that getting vaccinated is not the only solution. We must continue to observe minimum public health standards by wearing a mask, washing our hands, and observing social distancing.”

The vaccination of individuals under the A4 priority group will first focus in the so-called NCR Plus 8 – Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, Laguna, Pampanga, Batangas, Cebu, and Davao.

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