TUBOD, Lanao del Norte -- The Department of Health (DOH) Region 10 recently conducted a virtual collaborative meeting with all the governors, mayors, provincial health offices, city health offices, and municipal health offices in the region to discuss the status of vaccination and deliberate some targets to achieve herd Immunity coverage in each province/municipality.

DOH 10 Regional Director Jose R. Llacuna Jr. extended his gratitude to the constant support of the Provincial Government of Lanao del Norte to all the implemented programs and protocols of the DOH. He also lauded the practical step taken by the province to mitigate the spread of the virus and reduce the active COVID 19 cases in the area.

Governor Imelda 'Angging' Quibranza Dimaporo interactively joined the meeting where she cited several programs and actions which is still being done in the province to support the vaccination campaign.

It was mentioned that the province and some local government units (LGUs) provide incentives such as rice, cash, and canned goods to motivate the people to get inoculated.

Despite the initiatives and efforts of the PGLDN, together with the help of the local chief executives, the average of those fully vaccinated in the province remains low.

According to the data presented by the DOH, as of October 20, 2021, there are about 16. 07 % have completed their COVID-19 vaccination. The Municipalities of Poona Piagapo (3.09%), Tangcal (4.45%), Baloi (5.50%), Munai (5.79%), and Nunungan (6.98%) are among those municipalities with a low average of fully vaccinated individuals.

The governor appreciated the cooperation of some LGUs in creating reinforcements to get everyone to participate for their benefit. She also appealed for their continued support by being a significant model for their constituencies.

"I commend all your activities and plans, but as officials and leaders, we need to be good influencers. Let us encourage them by showing ourselves to be vaccinated to enliven their spirit and change their perceptions towards the vaccines," said the governor.

There are various challenges discussed during the meeting that significantly affect each operation. The distance and the spread of fake news on social media drive people to be hesitant about the vaccine. Due to some grievances, Dimaporo mentioned finding alternative and effective ways to bring the vaccines closer to the people.

This virtual gathering is connected to the meeting that was held last October 20, 2021, attended by Dr. Jovette Guinal from the PDOHO, Dr. Marujetta Opamen of PHO, Ms. Eugenie P. Pusing, the head of PHRMDO, Ms. Lucita Bering, the Provincial NIP Coordinator, together with some representatives from the DOH CHDNM RVOC – X.

The DOH reminds everyone that there is no category prioritization now; they cater to all 18 years old and above (A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5) and the rest of the adult population.

Together with the DOH, the provincial government through the PHO and Incident Management Team will continue to work on ways to speed up the vaccination in the province carrying the theme "Bakunado, kumpleto protektado para sa malipayong pasko." (PIO LDN)