Mayor Isko Moreno and Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna with IPB Chairman Enrique Gonzalez, vaccine czar Sec. Carlos Galvez, and Health Secretary Francisco Duque after inspecting the newly arrived vaccines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. /(Photo from Manila PIO)
MANILA, Philippines — Another 400,000 doses of Sinovac arrived in the city of Manila on Thursday morning, just in time for the city’s 450th anniversary.
This was made possible after Manila raised P298.5 million for the procurement of the said vaccines and initiated a tripartite agreement with the national government and Sinovac’s official distributor in the Philippines, IP-Biotech, Inc.
“Your City (Manila) will continue to vaccinate as many as possible, as soon as possible. Our partnership with IP-Biotech and other local businesses will help us reach herd immunity in no time. More jabs will also create more jobs that will contribute to economic recovery,” said Manila Mayor Isko Moreno in a statement.
According to Republic Act 11525, or the “COVID-19 vaccination law,” vaccines may only be released through a tripartite agreement between the requesting party, the official distributor, and the national government.
“We are honored to be of service to the City of Manila on the Araw Ng Maynila. We are also inspired to see the many innovations implemented by the City of Manila such as their vaccine ID system and free COVID-testing. Mabuhay Ang Manila! Mabuhay Ang Pilipinas!” said IPB Chairman Enrique Gonzalez.
Moreno said Manila has already vaccinated 41% of its 800,000-target population.
Just on Tuesday, the local government’s “Vaccine Express” initiative with the Office of the Vice President inoculated over 4,500 individuals — most of which were tricycle drivers and delivery riders.
An additional 800,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines are also expected to arrive in September, according to an earlier statement by Moreno.
Second dose vaccination for those who have been inoculated by the Russian-made vaccine Sputnik V, however, continues to be suspended due to the delays in the delivery of the vaccine.
As of June 23, the city has recorded a total of 65,419 cases of COVID-19, with 1,101 active cases, 1,204 deaths, and 63,114 recoveries.
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