Robredo, Moreno to keep partnership on ‘Vaccine Express’ for essential workers
OVP rolls out its Vaccine Express to cater to the A4 sector. Image from OVP
MANILA, Philippines — Following the launch of the “Vaccine Express” by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in partnership with the city government of Manila, Vice President Leni Robredo and Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Tuesday expressed interest in maintaining the collaboration for the inoculation of more essential workers.
According to Robredo and Moreno, they plan “to continue the initiative to bring vaccination to vendors in Manila City.“
The “Vaccine Express” is Manila’s first drive-through vaccination site that aims to make inoculation against the deadly COVID-19 disease accessible for essential workers under the A4 priority group.
READ: LOOK: OVP kickstarts ‘Vaccine Express’ drive in Manila
“Ito talaga, idea nila (OVP) ito na mag-create ng (it is really the OVP’s idea to create an) additional effort to help local government units like the City of Manila. And we’re very grateful with all the logistics given to us by the Office of the Vice President,” Moreno told reporters.
“Ngayon, nakikita ninyo nagbenepisyo iyong mga economic drivers natin and we’re very happy and excited na ito, matutuloy bukas at iyong kanina,” he added.
(Today, you can see that our economic drivers are benefiting and we’re very happy and excited.)
Robredo said the initiative was designed for those who do not have or could not find time to go to vaccination centers, fall in line, and have themselves vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
“Ito iyong mga tao na mas gusto sana mas kaunti iyong istorbo sa hanapbuhay nila, na hindi na sila pupunta kung saan, maghihintay ng half day o whole day para mabakunahan. Ito, in a matter of minutes tapos na sila,” explained Robredo.
(These are for the people who would like to keep their work going; to not invest much time going to somewhere, wait for half a day or whole day just to receive the shots. Here, in a matter of minutes, they’re done.)
“Iyong mga nakausap namin ni Mayor kanina, sinasabi nila, iyong mga Grab drivers, after nito biyahe na ulit sila. So, napakalaking bagay (Those people we were able to talk to, the Grab drivers, said that after this they will go back to their work. So, it’s a huge thing for them),” she added.
Apart from the free jab, the Vaccine Express also provides drivers and riders a P500 gas coupon which they can redeem at gas stations of two leading fuel companies in the country.
Robredo emphasized that the OVP is willing to work with any local government unit (LGU) but noted that their supply source is equally dependent on each LGU. She further explained that what the OVP offers is a convenient venue for vaccination to lure more people to get inoculated against COVID-19.
“The sooner na mabakunahan lahat, the sooner din magbubukas iyong ating ekonomiya,” said Robredo.
(The sooner everyone is vaccinated, the sooner our economy will open up.)
KGA
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