A local health officer vaccinates a man in a pharmacy in Cebu City. File Photo
CEBU CITY — Fully vaccinated residents in this city get another chance to win a brand new car, motorcycles, appliances, a condo unit, and other prizes.
Mayor Michael Rama on Tuesday, March 28, announced his plans to revive the “Pabakunana Ta (Let’s get vaccinated) Bonanza” program to encourage more people to get jabbed against COVID-19.
City residents, who have been fully vaccinated under the PabakunaTa program are automatically part of the raffle draw as their names are already in the database.
While the number of persons infected with COVID-19 in the city had died down, Rama said it was still important to have people vaccinated against the dreaded virus.
“With the economy returning, schools opening, and most students having face-to-face classes already, the city government is encouraging the students, teachers, and those who have not been vaccinated to get their shots,” the mayor explained.
The city government launched the Pabakunana Ta Bonanza on November 11, 2021.
During the raffle, many residents received a house and lot, a brand new car, motorcycles, P25,000 worth of gift cash, groceries, and flat-screen television, among others.
Rama hoped that another raffle draw would encourage the public to get the booster shot as added protection against COVID-19 and in preparation for moving further away from the pandemic.
He said vaccination against COVID-19 remains the direction of the city because it is only through a vaccinated population that the city could further ease restrictions.
Restrictions in the city are at a bare minimum as face masks are required only in medical facilities.
“Vaccination is still ongoing, especially for booster shots. The incentives will encourage more people to get vaccinated against COVID-19,” he said.
Dr. Jaime Bernadas, director of the Department of Health (DOH) in Central Visayas, said cases of COVID-19 in Central Visayas have dwindled.
Based on the DOH COVID-19 Tracker, Central Visayas has a total case of 197,200, with 189,216 recoveries and 7,609 deaths as of March 27, 2023.
It has 375 active cases.
Bernadas reminded people not to be complacent and continue practicing the minimum health standards such as wearing of face masks and constant washing of hands.
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