Workers who’ll  participate in vax day will not be considered absent — Palace

President Rodrigo Duterte in his public address. FILE PHOTO / Screengrab from RTVM video

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has declared Nov. 29 (Monday), Nov. 30 (Tuesday), and Dec. 1 (Wednesday) as national COVID-19 vaccination days in line with the government’s inoculation drive.

The government is set to hold a massive vaccination drive from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 with an aim to inoculate 15 million Filipinos against the deadly respiratory disease in three days.

Under Proclamation No. 1253, employees and workers of the government and private sector who will participate in the vaccination drive shall not be considered absent from their work, as long as they present their proof of vaccination to their employers.

Duterte ordered local government units to mobilize all resources, stakeholders, health human resources, and constituents.

“All health workers, including doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, dentists, and medical technologists are called to extend their full support and cooperation in providing COVID-19 vaccination during the three-day campaign,” the proclamation read.

Duterte ordered the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Health (DOH) to lead the observance of the “Bayanihan, Bakunahan” national COVID-19 vaccination days.

In a taped public address on Tuesday night, Duterte once again urged Filipinos to get vaccinated against COVID-19, even instructing local chief executives to bring their constituents to vaccination sites on those days.

He even told them to feed their constituents as they get vaccinated to further encourage individuals to participate.

“I am authorizing all governors and mayors — just spend the money and I would replace that someday. Just feed them,” Duterte said in Filipino.

“Have pity on Filipinos. Really, just give me the bill and I will try to pay it if I have the money,” he added.

JPV