ICTSI to ramp up COVID-19 vaccinations at Nayong Pilipino, but flags no-shows

The International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) Foundation on Tuesday said it will be ramping up the rollout at the Nayong Pilipino Foundation COVID-19 vaccination center, but expressed concerns on individuals who do not show up for their bookings.

According to ICTSI Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer Christian Gonzalez, daily appointments at the NPF are ranging between 4,000 to 5,000, but only 2,500 arrive for the bookings.

“It’s very important that anybody booking is committed. The vaccines are safe, the vaccines are effective, and it’s very very important for our recovery here in the Philippines for everybody to get vaccinated as soon as possible,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino during a virtual briefing with presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr.

The P250-million vaccination site at the NPF in Parañaque City was opened to the public on August 12, with a maximum capacity of vaccinating 15,000 individuals daily.

The vaccination site has so far been allocated 50,000 doses, equivalent to 25,000 individuals. There have been 20,000 individuals who have so far received their first dose or 80% of the first allocation.

“We understand that we will be given another 50,000 doses, so we’ll be ramping up the operations in order to finish those as soon as possible,” he said.

Gonzalez added that all individuals can avail of the vaccines in the center, but residents of Parañaque will be prioritized as the rollout is in partnership with the local government unit.

The vaccination center at the Nayong Pilipino Foundation property has been criticized for its supposed impact on the environment, which would allegedly involve the cutting down of around 500 trees.

“I can tell you that more than 95% of all the trees that were located there have been retained. In fact, we’ve invested in areas there where you can walk around and enjoy the greenery,” said Gonzalez.

“Just to note also that we do now have a very strong and productive relationship with the board members of the Nayong Pilipino and also the DOT (Department of Tourism) where Nayong Pilipino sits on,” he added.

The Supreme Court in July junked the petition questioning the construction of the vaccination center inside the Nayong Pilipino property. — DVM, GMA News