Amas, Kidapawan City- To mitigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, the Provincial Government of Cotabato hosted a stakeholders meeting for COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign held at the FCG Catering Services, Brgy. Binoligan, Kidapawan City, on Tuesday, February 23, 2021.
The said meeting in partnership with DOH XII discussed the launching of national vaccination program against COVID-19.
Stakeholders from different line agencies which include; Dep.Ed, BFP, PNP, Religious Sector, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), provincial government, media and DILG participated the said activity.
Provincial DOH Officer Rubelita H. Aggalut urged the stakeholders to be part of the government’s effort especially in informing the people about the importance of vaccine against SARS-COV2 (COVID-19) virus.
“You are our partner in disseminating the right and proper information regarding COVID-19 vaccine to the grassroots and we are counting on you to help us in this campaign,” Aggalut said.
DOH XII Representatives Josephine P. Fontanilla and Henrietta Helena M. Casa, on the other hand presented during the said meeting the general objective of the vaccination program and vital information that can be helpful in mass vaccination preparation of Cotabato Province.
Fontanilla stressed, that the protective effect or herd immunity against COVID-19 of the community will be maximize if 70% percent of the total population will be vaccinated.
“For example, if your barangay has 100,000 people, at least 70,000 should be vaccinated to ensure protection of the community. So, this is not just about you or your family vaccinated, but also this is about getting your barangay, municipality, city, and province up for it,” she said.
Integrated Provincial Health Officer Dr. Eva C. Rabaya also explained the importance of different line agencies role and participation for the immunization campaign especially in information dissemination regarding COVID-19 vaccine.
CotProv preparing for COVID-19 vaccine roll-out
Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Cotabato is now preparing for COVID-19 vaccine roll-out. During the COVID-19 Vaccination Technical Working Group Meeting with Governor Nancy A. Catamco recently, IPHO Head Dr. Rabaya presented the preparation and plans of COVID-19 Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force for the mass vaccination program of the province.
Governor Catamco directed Rabaya to ensure that the funds needed for the implementation of the program is sufficient.
She also stressed that all Local Government Units (LGUs) must be prepared in the implementation of the said program by conducting information drive and simulation activities.
On February 23,2021, Governor Catamco signed the Executive Order 06, series of 2021 that requires the creation of Provincial COVID-19 Vaccination Operation Center who will serve as the overseer of COVID-19 vaccination program in the province.//pgo-idcd//
