We welcome 2021 with renewed hope, courage and inspiration as we bid farewell to 2020 bringing with us its valuable lessons and memories.
The challenges we faced as a nation in 2020 were daunting but because of the resilient Filipino spirit, we fought and carried on.
In 2020, we have identified geographical and sectoral priorities for vaccination. Negotiations and discussions with vaccine manufacturers are ongoing, and tripartite agreements with the government, the private sector, and allied governments are now rolling.
Following the Philippine National Vaccine Roadmap, the earliest roll out of a vaccine is expected in the first quarter of next year. We are indeed on track and this gives us a sense of optimism.
We hope to see an end to the pandemic and continue the pursuit for a stronger and healthier Philippines, which would only be realized if the government and citizens would work together to achieve this goal.
Let us therefore make Year 2021 as a year of healing, recovery and bouncing back. Together and united, we will heal and recover as one.
Isang ligtas at masaganang Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat!