Discount privileges in San Juan City shopping centers will be given to anyone who can provide proof of vaccination, regardless of the place of residency.
Mayor Francis Zamora on Wednesday (June 9) issued Executive Order (EO) No. 82, which encourages establishments to provide such privileges and other incentives to vaccinated individuals.
“Basically, it encourages all businesses in San Juan City to give discounts or privileges to anyone, regardless if you’re from San Juan or not, who can show a vaccination card,” he said in an interview.
Zamora joined the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19, led by vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. and testing czar Sec. Vince Dizon, at the Greenhills Theatre Mall at the start of the A4 priority group (economic front-liners and uniformed personnel) inoculation.
The mall will cater to 1,000 to 1,500 under the A4 category.
Zamora said EO 82 is a “win-win situation” for both the recipients and establishments.
“For the vaccinees, they will enjoy a perk or a discount. At the same time, for business establishments, it will increase the foot traffic in their stores or restaurants that would also revive our economy,” he said.
Previously, EO No. 81 mandated that a “Safety Seal” sticker will be issued to businesses that have had their employees vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Our incentives are additional ways to entice our constituents to get vaccinated. We are just trying to be creative. It does not hurt to add enticement to get people vaccinated. But for me, more important than the incentive is to really inform and educate our people regarding the truths and the facts about the vaccine,” he said.
Zamora recalled that the country’s first local transmission of COVID-19 originated at the Greenhills shopping center on March 26, 2020, which drastically affected traders.
“Bagamat dito nagsimula sa San Juan ang COVID-19 ay dito rin natin unang tatapusin,” he said.
Zamora said the start of the A4 group’s vaccination will lead to the gradual opening of the economy.
“I am very happy that we have started inoculating the A4 priority group. This would really help in the further reopening of our economy. If we vaccinate more people, I’m sure we will see growth in the businesses badly beaten by the pandemic. This will also lead to higher confidence for consumers and shoppers here in San Juan,” he said.
The FilOil Flying V Centre vaccination hub, meanwhile, is operating daily for categories A1 (health care workers), A2 (senior citizens), and A3 (persons with comorbidities).
The arena can accommodate between 2,000 and 2,500 people.
San Juan also vaccinates non-residents who work within the city.
The city has so far vaccinated 39.11% of its target and will extend its services beyond eight hours once more supplies pour in.
Since registration began on January 4, about 85,000 have signed up for jabs, the majority of them from the A4 category. (PNA) – jlo
