ILIGAN CITY (PIA)--Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo firmly urged local government units (LGU) of the province to support and pour all their efforts for the effective implementation of the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 vaccination program.

“This program really needs the local chief executives to exert all their efforts to the down level, to the barangay... Ang ako lang hangyo nga mutabang gyud ang atong mga barangay [My request is just the barangay should really help],” said Dimaporo.

Addressing vaccination-related concerns, she called on the LGU officials to utilize and mobilize all possible means to fast-track the vaccination in their area including the provision of transportation for vaccinees who cannot afford to submit themselves to vaccination sites due to the distance from their residences, as well as open for use the gymnasiums and other conducive areas to comfortably administer the inoculation.

Dimaporo also bared that while the national vaccination program is at the core of achieving its goal with the national and local governments striving to advocate and boost the initiative,  the provincial government of Lanao del Norte is disheartened to discover that there is still hesitancy among their constituents especially local officials belonging to the A2 and A3 list. 

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Lanao del Norte Provincial Director Bruce Augusto Colao responded to this issue as he propelled the involved officials to execute their mandate first instead of enforcing their personal views on the vaccination program.

“If you have some personal reluctance on the vaccine, you have an official duty to fulfill because the national government, our president, is calling you to act on and be at the forefront sa [of the] advocacy sa [for the] vaccination,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dimaporo underscored the essence of receiving complete doses of vaccines as this will serve as an added level of protection, as well as reduce the severity of the virus when one gets infected.

She further stressed that citizens should not be drawn to half-truths and misleading information, rather, they should be responsible in sharing facts.

“Just like many of you, I also had doubts and fears at first but the clear explanation of our health experts and the positive outcome of those who have been vaccinated, I am convinced of its safety and its necessity to bring about the new normal… Having inoculated is a great service to yourself, your children, your coworkers and your community,” Dimaporo said.

Considering the ongoing health crisis and the emergence of new variants in the country, the governor appealed to her constituents and LGUs to carry on the battle against the pandemic by doing their own share of responsibility in their community.

“There is a need to adapt to this challenge. We all know that all of us play a vital role in this battle. I urge everyone to do their part. We can only overcome this challenge only if we stand together to confront our common enemy, the vicious coronavirus. Together, let us heal as one,” said Dimaporo. (Claire R. Gigje/PIA-10/ICIC Lanao del Norte)