QUEZON CITY, (PIA) --Local government units (LGUs) which have fared well in the government’s ramped-up COVID-19 vaccination and booster campaign will be recognized as PinasLakas LGU Champions following the signing of a joint memorandum circular between the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Health (DOH) recently.
The DOH-DILG Joint Memorandum Circular 2022-01 on the awarding and recognition of PinasLakas LGU Champions aims to fete top-performing LGUs for their significant efforts in the implementation and success of the government’s PinasLakas campaign, recognize their best practices, and inspire others to follow suit. The JMC was signed by DILG Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ C. Abalos, Jr. and DOH Officer-in-Charge Dr. Maria Rosario S. Vergeire.
“Mula pa sa umpisa ay nakita na natin ang sipag at dedikasyon ng LGUs sa PinasLakas campaign. It is, therefore, fitting to give tribute to the LGUs who have performed excellently in the campaign and have been instrumental in building a solid wall of immunity against COVID-19 in their localities,” Abalos said.
The PinasLakas campaign was launched by the DOH with the support of the DILG and other agencies and stakeholders to support the implementation of Republic Act (RA) No. 11525 or the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021 and the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
According to Abalos, LGUs will be assessed based on the following criteria: increase of vaccination accomplishment from the baseline data for the A2 or senior citizens category, and the final 1st dose booster coverage (60 points); complete and timely submission of vaccination accomplishment through the Vaccine Administration System Line List (20 points); establishment of at least one vaccination site for each of the DOH-proposed settings-based vaccination site (10 points); and established partnership with stakeholders and private sector for demand generation and communications (10 points).
He said the assessment shall cover all cities and municipalities nationwide, including those in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Performance indicators are likewise adjusted according to the following categories: highly-urbanized cities; independent component cities and component cities; first to third class municipalities; and fourth to sixth class municipalities.
He said LGUs will be assessed for their accomplishments within the period of July 26, 2022 to October 9, 2022, following the First 100 Days directive of President Marcos.
“Only the official vaccination data submitted to the DOH as reported by its appropriate units will be used as basis for assessing the LGUs and determining the PinasLakas LGU champions,” he said.
Based on their ratings, LGUs garnering 90 points and above will be awarded as first placers; LGUs with 85-89 points will be ranked second; and LGUs with 80-84 points will be ranked third.
Likewise, Abalos said special recognition will be given to LGUs that have reached 90 percent coverage or above for the A2 population before July 26, 2022. Said LGUs shall also qualify as PinasLakas LGU Champions. (dilg pr/pia-ncr)
