Philippines eyeing 'ayuda' for 'bakuna' in BARMM —DOH

The Philippine government is looking to provide aid in exchange for residents getting vaccinated against COVID-19 in the Bangsamoro Region, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the DOH identified five challenges in the vaccination rollout in the region such as vaccine hesitancy or preference, limited manpower, fake news, late submission of daily vaccination reports, and lukewarm support from local chief executives and barangay local government units (BLGU).

"In response to these challenges, the government proposes to conduct Suyod activities, information caravan, dialogue with refusal clients, provision of 'ayuda' to be vaccinated; and radio plugging," the DOH said.

The DOH said the government is also eyeing random police checkpoints of vaccination cards as well as booths to mitigate the fake cards.

It also asked for support from the Municipal Mayor, Head of Offices, and BLGU.

"Further, the health authorities in BARMM assured the Islamic community that COVID-19 Vaccines is certified by the Philippine Halal Certification Board as "Halal" or permissible to the Islam faith," it said.

"This was attested by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos at the onset of vaccination drive in the country," it added. —NB, GMA News