MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)—Malaybalay local government unit (LGU) recently bought an ultra-cold freezer to securely store and accommodate all arriving COVID-19 vaccines from the national government.

“This is to ensure that the vaccines are stored in its required state, maintaining its efficacy once available in the city,” Mayor Florencio T. Flores Jr said.

He explained that the newly-acquired equipment worth P680,000 is an Ultra-low temperature (ULT) freezer capable of storing items at temperatures as low as “negative 70 degrees Celsius” (-70 °C).

Flores has been keen on the evolving needs in the COVID-19 response, while also urging the public to support the vaccination campaign.

The city’s latest data showed that 38,850 people were inoculated. Of this total, 24,065 received their first dose and 14,785 completed their two doses. They are all members of priority groups namely A1 (healthcare workers), A2 (senior citizens), A3 (those with comorbidities), and A4 (essential workers).

Meanwhile, Dr. Dennis Sangalang, Malaybalay City Health Officer, said this specialized freezer can be used once Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccines arrive.

"Having the capability to store Pfizer or any other vaccines within the required storage temperature will maintain their [vaccines] potency. Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccines require ultra-low temperature up to -70°C when stored,” Sangalang said. (BGE/PIA-Bukidnon)