By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered local government units (LGUs) to simplify their registration system for COVID-19 vaccination.
In a pre-recorded meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday (May 26) night, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said LGUs should only obtain essential information from registrants to help fast-track the country’s vaccination drive.
“Ito (memorandum) po ay ilalabas natin at ang mga importanteng puntos po dito — papaspasan ang paggawa ng mga masterlist at sisimplehan lang ang data at impormasyon na kailangan i-fill up sa registration,” he said.
“Kung the simpler, the better. Mahirap ‘yong marami pang masyadong itinatanong at natatakot ‘yong ating mga mamamayan sa pagrerehistro.”
He also assured that both traditional and modern forms of registration will be used.
“Tuloy-tuloy na information campaign, aggressive information campaign para ma-engganyo ang ating mga kababayan na magpabakuna. Bukod sa mga online meetings, social media, pati traditional methods ay dapat gamitin katulad ng pagbabandilyo sa mga sulok-sulok ng ating mga barangay,” he added.
He also reported that 25,994 LGUs have prepared COVID-19 vaccination plans as more vaccine supplies are expected to arrive in the coming months.
Empowering villages vs. mass gatherings
Año, meanwhile, said he will issue a memorandum circular (MC) empowering village chiefs to strictly enforce health protocols.
This came in the wake of mass gathering incidents in Caloocan, Quezon City, and Bulacan where some participants have contracted COVID-19.
Año said the MC will strengthen the authority of village officials against mass gatherings, such as fiestas, parties, karaoke sessions, discos, drinking sessions, basketball games, boxing events, and non-essential religious activities.
The MC will order mandatory patrols of barangay security personnel, especially during weekends and holidays.
Año also cited the need for village watchmen to visit resorts and recreation facilities in their areas as people are tempted to look for a “relief and refreshing outlet,” especially during the summer months.
He said barangays should post hotline numbers in strategic areas so citizens could report mass gathering violators.
Año also pointed out that barangay operations centers should have a direct link to Philippine National Police (PNP) stations in running after health protocol violators.
In the same meeting, the President warned that arrest of protocol violators is now “mandatory” as they continue to defy the strict quarantine and health rules amid the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.
Duterte’s latest warning came, as he said it is a “crime” for a COVID-19 carrier to infect “innocent” Filipinos. (PNA) -jlo
