Duterte OKs tripartite deal for LGUs' vaccine purchases

President Rodrigo Duterte has approved a recommendation for local government units (LGUs) to enter into a tripartite agreements for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said Wednesday.

The tripartite setup, which will involve the LGUs, national government and the vaccine manufacturers, was approved “immediately” by the President after officials presented it to him on Monday, according to Galvez.

“Siya po ay natutuwa sa ating mga LGU dahil ang LGU po talaga ang may key role dito sa ating vaccination program,” Galvez said at the Laging Handa briefing.

"Sinasabi po ng ating mahal na Presidente, the LGUs will be in charge of identifying and profiling the priority sectors in their population and support the vaccine programs roll out while the private sector provides invaluable technical and financial support in the procurement and deployment of the vaccine, particularly the cold chain," he added.

Some cities have established vaccination programs for their residents, allocating funds for this purpose.

“Batid ng pamahalaan na hindi niya ito makakayang mag-isa,” said Galvez, the government’s vaccine czar.

Malacañang has also welcomed the initiative of the different LGUs. -NB, GMA News