MANDALUYONG CITY -- According to the Department of Health (DOH), no rise in COVID-19 cases has been observed after placing Metro Manila and 38 other areas under Alert Level 1 more than a week ago. Nevertheless, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman and CEO Sen. Dick Gordon ordered the continuous deployment and continuous operation of the PRC Bakuna Buses, the Bakuna Centers, and Bakuna Teams to augment and provide additional support for the vaccination programs of different local government units.

“We must not be complacent and we must continue practicing health and safety protocols. Hinihingkayat ko ang lahat na mag pabakuna at mag patest upang maiwasan natin ang hawaan kontra COVID-19. Kahit na bumababa ang kaso ng COVID-19, kailangan tayo ay maghugas ng kamay, mag face mask, at mag social distancing,” Gordon said.

Chairman Gordon urged the public, especially the unvaccinated, to get their Covid-19 vaccines through the Bakuna Buses, Bakuna Centers, and Bakuna teams. These are intended to reach far-flung areas, making vaccines accessible to those who are not yet vaccinated. In line with PRC’s aim to vaccinate more Filipinos, a total of 3,375 individuals were vaccinated last March 10, 2022. This was done in the areas of Marikina, Navotas, Laguna, Lucena, Aklan, Capiz, and Lapu-Lapu City.

In 2022, PRC has already administered 215,353 individual doses, with 63,357 fully vaccinated individuals through its 17 Bakuna Buses and 26 Bakuna Centers. Through this initiative, PRC hopes to increase people’s confidence in the available vaccines and reduce vaccine hesitancy against COVID-19. (Philippine Red Cross)