MANILA -- The national government on Thursday recognized the efforts of local government units (LGUs) and private sector partners that contributed to the success of the first phase of Bayanihan Bakunahan in a recognition ceremony and phase 2 launch of the nationwide three-day vaccination program, held in SM Megamall.

In a speech delivered on behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte, Cabinet Secretary and Acting Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Karlo Nograles, said that the President attributed the success of the Bayanihan, Bakunahan program to frontliners, government agencies, local government units, private partners, and the public.

“The highly successful first phase of Bayanihan Bakunahan has not only brought us closer to our goal of population protection against COVID-19. It has also demonstrated what remarkable feats we can achieve if we are united and working in solidarity,” read the President’s message.

The Chief Executive congratulated the top LGUs that administered the highest number of jabs during the three-day National Vaccination Days held from November 29 to December 1, 2021.

The top three municipalities that registered the highest cumulative jab rate during the three-day National Vaccination Days were Rodriguez in Rizal, Tanza in Cavite, and Arayat in Pampanga.

Cebu City was named the Best City, while Laguna was named the Best Province. Meanwhile, CALABARZON Region was given a special recognition for being the region that registered the highest jabs at 1,147,392 during the three-day vaccination program.

LGUs that recorded the highest improvement from pre-National Vaccination Days jab rates were also recognized, which are General Santos City, the province of Tawi-Tawi, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The President also acknowledged the private sector partners of the government including SM Supermalls, McDonalds, Jollibee Foods Corporation, Angkas, Grab, AC Health, Ayala Malls, Robinsons, Megaworld, Smart, and Globe for their participation and contribution to the government’s vaccination program.

“We sincerely acknowledge all your efforts in helping government overcome this pandemic,” the President said.

President Duterte, in his message, also called on the public, the LGUs, and private partners to demonstrate the same enthusiasm, cooperation, and resolve that made the first phase a success, for the second phase of Bayanihan Bakunahan.

“May this event further inspire our people to uphold their civic duty in curbing the spread of the coronavirus and in keeping our communities safe and healthy,” said President Duterte in his message.

Lastly, the President encouraged everyone to work harder to reach every unvaccinated Filipino “so that we can give them the protection they need to stay in good health.”

More than eight million jabs were administered in the first phase of the three-day Bayanihan Bakunahan event. The second phase of Bayanihan Bakunahan is scheduled to be held on December 15-17, 2021. (OPS)