ILOILO City – Six hundred personnel of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) based in Camp General Macario Peralta Jr. in Jamindan, Capiz received initial doses of the vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
According to 3ID spokesperson Major Cenon Pancito, 1,200 doses of CoronaVac vaccine by China’s Sinovac Biotech were delivered to the 3ID.
“We prioritized our frontliners, especially our doctors and officers. We expect more vaccines for our other frontliners and enlisted personnel,” Pancito said.
Major General Eric Vinoya, 3ID commander, led the CoronaVac vaccination.
“As I looked into the eyes of each Spearhead trooper, I could sense a great feeling of victory. We experienced the privilege of being vaccinated with the first COVID-19 vaccine available in our country,” Vinoya said.
The commander was followed by other military officers and division-enlisted personnel assigned in healthcare facilities, control points and quarantine areas led by Major Alexander Zapanta, commanding officer of the Camp Peralta Station Hospital.
Lieutenant General Roberto Ancan, current commander of the Army’s Central Command, graced the event.
Ancan acknowledged all medical personnel of the station hospital for their contribution in the fight against COVID-19.
The 3ID also thanked Ancan for giving them the “ultimate assurance” that the vaccines can boost their capability in fulfilling their tasks./PN
