Duterte declares November 29, 30 and December 1 as COVID-19 vaccination days

President Rodrigo Duterte has declared November 29, 30 and December 1 as Bayanihan, Bakunahan National COVID-19 Vaccination Days.

This is provided under Proclamation 1253 issued by the President on Wednesday which will allow public and private sector employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine during these days without being marked absent from work, provided they present proof of getting vaccinated during these  days.

The government is eyeing to vaccinate 15 million people within these three days.

At least 34 million Filipinos are fully vaccinated so far, way behind the target of vaccinating 80% of its 109 million population by May 9, 2022 to achieve herd immunity against COVID-19.

The Philippines started its vaccination program last March 1.

'Use all resources'

In his Talk to the People on Tuesday night, Duterte directed all concerned government agencies and law enforcement units to extend all possible efforts and use all resources to bring the people to vaccination sites.

He also reiterated that employers have the right to refuse applicants who are not vaccinated to protect their property and business, and that unvaccinated people should be banned from entering restaurants and establishments as they could “contaminate” other people.

“I support itong mga restaurants and all na delikado sa contamination sa public, you have my support, 'wag mo silang pakainin,” he said.

(I support these restaurants and all that they are at risk of contamination in public, you have my support, don't feed them.)

Duterte also asked local government units (LGUs) to provide meals to their constituents who will get vaccinated against COVID-19 as he pledged to pay for the bill. 

Coast Guard

Also on Wednesday, the Philippine Coast Guard said its sea and air assets, and personnel are ready to assist in the national government's three-day vaccination drive.

In the Laging Handa press briefing, PCG commandant Admiral Leopoldo Laroya said they received a letter from vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. asking for assistance for the campaign.

“Nakahanda po ang inyong coast guard na tumulong" (The PCG is ready to help). In fact, we have been helping the government since last year when the pandemic started, Laroya said. —KG/KBK/RSJ, GMA News