DAVAO CITY — Preparations are underway in North Cotabato for the upcoming vaccination program.
On Tuesday, February 23, health stakeholders met and discussed measures to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
health authorities together with the different line agencies such as the Education Department, Bureau of Fire Protection, religious sector, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), and other interest groups discussed the procedures with the reprsentative from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Provincial Health 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, presented 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.
The coordination meeting was part of the provincial government’s preparation in the rollout plan.
Upon the direction of Governor Nancy Catamco, the COVID-19 Vaccination Technical Working Group through 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.
