Hotspots uunahin! Gov’t ready to vaccinate 60 million Pinoys against coronavirus

By Prince Golez

The Philippines is now set to inoculate 60 million Filipinos against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19), saying the government is already in talks with vaccine manufacturers Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and the manufacturer of Russia’s vaccine, Malacañang confirmed Tuesday.

In his televised briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that P73.2-billion has been set aside for the procurement of the vaccines.

Of this amount, P40-billion will be coming from multilateral agencies like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank, P20-billion will be coming from domestic sources like the Landbank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, and government-owned and controlled corporations, and the P13.2-billion will be from bilateral sources.

“Meron pa po tayong P2.5-billion na nakasaad sa ating pang-taunang budget (2021 budget) at meron pa tayong P10-billion na reserved galing po sa 2020 budget,” according to Roque.

Citing Finance chief Carlos Dominguez III, the Palace official said the vaccine would cost $25 or P1,200 per individual.

In terms of vaccine distribution, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez said that priority will be given to Covid-19 hotspots like Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, and other areas with high rates of infection.

“From geographical magiging sectoral. Mula sa mga nasabing lugar ay ta-targetin ang mga mahihirap, mga 4Ps beneficiaries na nandyan na po ang listahan, mga indigents at vulnerable sectors, health workers, ang militar at kapulisan, at iba pang mga frontliners,” said Roque.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)