ILOILO – The town of Miag-ao joined other local government units in the province in allocating a portion of their budget for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines.
“Nag-allot kita sang P10 million para ibakal sang vaccines,” Mayor Macario Napulan said, citing a recent meeting with the town’s Task Force on COVID-19.
According to Napulan, they would offer COVID-19 vaccines for free to healthcare workers, senior citizens and barangay volunteers catering dealing with locally stranded individuals and returning overseas Filipinos.
The municipal government, he said, is eyeing to buy vaccines developed by AstraZeneca through the provincial government.
Napulan also made it clear the vaccination would remain voluntary and no one would be forced to get a jab if he/she refuses.
The mayor is also willing to be the first to get an anti-coronavirus shot to boost public trust and confidence in the vaccine.
While waiting for the arrival of vaccines, Napulan urged his constituents to avoid public gatherings and observe safety health protocols to avert the transmission of the viral disease.
As of Jan. 23, the town had three active COVID-19 cases out of 103 confirmed infections.
Aside from Miag-ao, the LGUs of Ajuy, San Enrique, Pavia, and Concepcion announced their intention to purchase COVID-19 vaccines.
Ajuy set aside P10 million, San Enrique, P1 million; Pavia, P5 million; and Concepcion, P3 million.
Iloilo province is comprised of 42 municipalities and one component city./PN
