Syringe/Vaccine (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region (NCR) or Metro Manila has vaccinated 100 percent of its target population, or about 9.8 million individuals, against COVID-19, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced Thursday.
MMDA chairman Benhur Abalos said in a speech at an event in Mandaluyong City: “100% na ang Metro Manila sa bakuna. Talagang natapos natin ito.”
(100% na ang Metro Manila sa bakuna. We really finished this.)
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año earlier said 23 highly urbanized cities, most of which are in Metro Manila, have achieved herd immunity.
This means the areas were able to vaccinate at least 70% of their population.
For her part, Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos said the city has administered more than 1 million shots against COVID-19 on December 6.
The government launched last week a three-day national COVID-19 vaccination drive which was extended up to five days.
The government was able to vaccinate 10.25 million individuals during the campaign.
A second round of the drive is set for December15-17, where the government aims to complete the COVID-19 vaccination of 7 million individuals.
The government is aiming to fully vaccinate 54 million individuals against COVID-19 before the end of the year.