ILOILO CITY, July 1 (PIA) - - As promised, additional coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) vaccines, medical supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) from the national government reached Iloilo City.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque flew to Iloilo City on board a C-130 to personally turn over the vaccines and medical supplies to the city government led by Mayor Jerry Treñas during a simple ceremony held at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand.

Roque said Treñas has requested for the additional vaccines and medical supplies and equipment because of the increasing number of COVID 19 cases in the city, and in a matter of days, they were able to mobilize the resources, 

“The President, of course, recognizes as a former Mayor that it is the job of Mayors to ask for the assistance when they need it, and it is the responsibility of the national government to respond to these pleas for assistance. That is why Mayor Treñas, as promised, dumating na po ang additional vaccines, 50,000 Sinovac vaccines,” said Roque in his message during the ceremonial turn-over.

In addition to vaccines, Roque also brought 12,000 sets of PPEs, seven mechanical ventilators, nine Breathcare Positive Airway Pressures, eight Positive Airway Pressure and five High Flow Nasal Cannulas.

Roque said he is hoping that with these additional vaccines and medical equipment “we will be better equipped in dealing with our enemy.”

He also reminded Ilonggos not to forget the PIDTR which stands for Prevention-Detection-Isolation-Contact Tracing and Reintegration against COVID 19.

Roque, whose mother traces her roots from Iloilo City, was accompanied by Department of Health officials --Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega, Assistant Secretary Dr. Romeo Ong, Director Ariel Valencia and Regional Director Adriano Suba-an.

In his message, Treñas acknowledged the assistance and support provided by the national government to the city to help address the surge in COVID 19 cases.

He said the 50,000 vaccines was the biggest number of vaccines received by the city so far.

“We thank you for coming here today to bring the support of the national government and in behalf of the people of Iloilo, our barangay captains, madamo,madamo, madamo gid nga salamat,” said Treñas, who was also joined by Lone District Representative Julienne Baronda during the event. (JBG/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)