MANDALUYONG CITY -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is launching the 24 million peso ‘Building Trust for the Uptake of Covid-19 Vaccinations’ project to raise trust and awareness levels while increasing vaccination uptake for certain underserved communities such as the BARMM (Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao).

BARMM (Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi) has one of the lowest levels of vaccinated persons nationwide as per the Department of Health’s data. Ensuring defense against Covid-19 and boosting coverage in these hard-to-reach and deprived districts are vital for the region to flourish. This project will improve vaccine acceptance with PRC’s experience in generating public trust and confidence.

PRC Chairman and CEO, Sen. Richard Gordon expressed how “vulnerable and marginalized communities can benefit from vaccination protection and move towards more normal life conditions. This in turn will cause a ripple effect whereby whole areas can be motivated to help each other grow more productive. Consequently, livelihood is renewed and recovery becomes sustainable. This particular project will advance one of the essential end goals of PRC – to help communities develop skills, become more productive and knowledgeable, and connect themselves to a meaningful future.” (Philippine Red Cross)