PASIG CITY, (PIA) -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has asked the local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila to work together in inoculating all residents in the National Capital Region as some cities have finished their vaccination in their respective areas.

As some LGUs in Metro Manila like Mandaluyong, San Juan and Pateros have hit more than 100 percent of their first dose of the COVID 19 vaccine, MMDA Chairperson Benhur Abalos has sought the cooperation of the mayors to continue their vaccination programs and accommodate unvaccinated individuals from other localities.

“Once the city already completed inoculating all its residents, vaccination sites can remain open for residents of other areas in Metro Manila,” said Abalos, during an inspection of vaccination sites and “ayuda” or cash aid distribution sites in the Municipality of Pateros, Pasig City and Quezon City recently.

“The Metro Manila mayors have committed to assist each other in the intensified vaccination drive. They vote as one, they act as one and they vaccinate as one,” he added.

The effort, Abalos said, would allow the inoculation of more people faster amid the threat of the highly transmissible COVID-19 Delta variant as they can receive their jabs anywhere in Metro Manila.  “We are racing against time to vaccinate more people.”

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said they have ramped up vaccination programs during the ECQ with the continued supply of vaccines from the national government.

Mayor Joy said they reached an average of 50,000 jabs a day.

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, for his part, urged residents to get inoculated at vaccination sites in the city as queuing is short during the ECQ.   

The MMDA Chairman said 231,000 jabs have been administered in Metro Manila yesterday, an all-time high vaccination record in a day in the NCR.  He also disclosed that he had a meeting with the Rotary Clubs in Metro Manila where dentists commit to volunteer as inoculators.

During the visit to different sites, Abalos appealed to the public against taking a third dose of the COVID-19 or so-called “booster shots” as it is illegal.

“I am appealing to everyone. Supply of vaccines is still low. Be conscientious. Many have not received the first dose of the vaccine yet and then you will get a booster. Think about other people, let us not do that,” said Abalos.

Abalos, a lawyer, said authorities are now looking into reports that a person got vaccinated for two doses in Mandaluyong and registered for a third dose in another LGU. Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) Director General Jeremiah Belgica and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Officer-in-Charge Eric Distor also joined Abalos during the inspection. (MMDA/PIA-NCR)