Taguig LGU allots P1 billion for COVID vaccination

The local government of Taguig City allocated a total of P1 billion for the COVID-19 vaccination of its residents. 

It announced that the Department of Budget and Management approved its P13.5 billion budget last December 23, 2020, which will include the city's pandemic recovery plan which includes massive testing, treatment and vaccination this 2021. 

Mayor Lino Cayetano said all Taguig residents would be vaccinated against COVID-19 for free. He added that the city government is now preparing for the logistical challenges of  purchasing, distributing, and implementing vaccination once a vaccine is already approved in the country.  

"We are working closely with the national government. We want to assure all Taguigeños na mayroon tayong vaccination delivery plan at pagkatapos ng allotment ng national government, we are working hard, diretso pa sa ibang suppliers ng mga vaccine na bukod po sa ipo-provide ng national government," Cayetano said in a press release. 

"We will set aside money po para makasigurado na meron tayong vaccination plan at pwedeng mabakunahan ang lahat ng Taguigeño nang libre," he added.

Cayetano said the local government has already started its talks with some vaccine suppliers. He said the vaccination program would cover the city's residents in all 28 barangays. 

Vaccine demo station units will also be available in the city under the program, the mayor said. 

Meanwhile, Cayetano said additional assistance would be given to senior citizens as they are among the vulnerable individuals in this pandemic. 

Cayetano also urged the public to continue to follow and observe safety and health protocols, even as the availability of a vaccine draws near.

"Mga kababayan kong Taguigeño, as we end this challenging 2020, 'yung hamon ko naman po sa lahat ng Taguigeños: Let's keep working together. Tayo ay manatiling nagkakaisa," Cayetano said. 

"Let's continue to pray together. Let's continue to work not just for our families, but for our communities," he added. 

On Monday, other local government units already announced their allocation of funds for the COVID-19 vaccines. 

As of Jan. 3, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Taguig City reached 10,681, the local government said on Monday.

Of this number, 10,515 recovered while 157 died.

—KG, GMA News