74-year-old delighted after getting Philippines' 10 millionth jab vs. COVID-19

A 74-year-old woman received the 10 millionth dose of COVID-19 vaccine administered in the country since the national government started the vaccination program in March.

According to Ian Cruz's report on "24 Oras", Nieves Catacutan was delighted that she was injected with the 10 millionth dose of vaccine.

"Makakapaglakad lakad na ako. Di na nila ako ikukulong," Catacutan, still wearing her face shield and face mask, told the reporter.

[I can now walk freely outside. I will not be stuck at home.]

A person needs two doses of vaccine to have protection against severe COVID-19.

Several officials witnessed the ceremonial vaccination at Valenzuela Astrodome as the country aims for more steady supplies in July.

According to testing czar Vince Dizon, the national government administered 5 million doses from March to end of May while for the month of June alone, 5 million vaccine doses were administered.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said: "With this development, we are very confident that we can surpass our target considering our figures that we saw nag-increase ang capacity ng LGUs and also the private sector will begin."

NCR LGUs to help nearby areas

Meanwhile, Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian said once they have vaccinated the majority of their residents or 476,000 people, they can start to offer vaccination to nearby areas in Bulacan.

"'Yung mga boundary cities ng NCR, kapag natapos ang sariling population, we can offer it to remaining municipalities and cities," the mayor said.

Health Chief Francisco Duque III agreed with Gatchalian, citing that Metro Manila cities should offer vaccination to neaby provinces, such as Marikina to Rizal. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/NB, GMA News