CEBU CITY, July 1 (PIA) --  A total of 70 domestic and overseas seafarers due for deployment abroad got their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on June 24-25.

The ceremonial vaccination done in Cebu City and Mandaue City was part of this year’s celebration of the “Day of the Filipino Seafarer" to give recognition to the seafarers for their invaluable contribution to the country's economy.

In his message, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA-7) Regional Director Marc Anthony Pascua described the vaccination as a step forward in the country's fight against the virus.

On the other hand, Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) Usec. Gerard Anthony Gonzales lauded the effort of MARINA in initiating the vaccination, and urged the seafarers to encourage their colleagues and relatives to get vaccinated to achieve the target herd immunity in the country. 

The regular vaccination for the seafarers will be done at AMOSUP Seamen’s Hospital in Mandaue City as soon as the supply of the vaccine becomes available, MARINA-7 stated in a press release. 

This activity was spearheaded by MARINA-7 in coordination with OPAV, Department of Health-7, AMOSUP Seamen’s Hospital Cebu, Cebu City, Mandaue City, licensed manning agencies, and domestic shipping companies.(HFG/PIA7 with reports from MARINA-7)