BARMM starts ‘PinasLakas’ drive with gov’t workers

By Edwin Fernandez | Philippine News Agency

 

The Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) kicked off Thursday its coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) booster shots campaign here, with regional government servants as the first recipients.

Dr. Muhammad Candao, the MOH health regulation division medical specialist, said regional employees may avail of the booster shots until Aug. 26 by visiting their office inside the BARMM compound here.

“Our campaign against Covid-19 infections is ongoing. Even if we have the first and second doses of vaccines, we still need the booster shots,” Candao said of their campaign in support of the “PinasLakas” drive of the Department of Health (DOH).

Sharing his personal experience with reporters, Candao said booster shots are adequate layers of protection against the virus.

“Having two boosters shots, I did not experience any symptoms despite my exposures to virus carriers in the hospital in the past,” he said.

With the PinasLakas launch, Candao said MOH-BARMM would continue to administer vaccines to anyone whether they are BARMM employees or not.

“We will entertain anybody, we may have a target population but when anyone comes forward and submit herself or himself for booster shots, we are open. This is not exclusive, we want more people getting the shots,” he said.

As of Aug. 15, MOH has fully vaccinated 1,622,158 individuals, or 53.94 percent of its 3.4 million target population.

Active cases in the region also continue to decline, with 46 cases recorded in Cotabato City, 24 in Maguindanao, 13 in Lanao del Sur and Marawi City, 10 in Tawi-Tawi, 4 in Basilan and Lamitan City, and none in Sulu. (PNA)

Popular

SSS to roll out 3-year pension hike starting September 2025

By Anna Leah Gonzales | Philippine News Agency State-run Social Security System (SSS) said it will implement a Pension Reform Program, which features a structured,...

DOE to talk with DSWD, DILG for Lifeline Rate utilization

By Joann Villanueva | Philippine News Agency The Department of Energy (DOE) is set to discuss with other government agencies the inclusion of more Pantawid...

Zero-billing for basic accommodation in DOH hospitals applicable to everyone —Herbosa

By Brian Campued The “zero balance billing” being implemented in all Department of Health (DOH)-run hospitals across the country is applicable to everyone as long...

DepEd committed to address classroom shortage

By Brian Campued Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara on Wednesday emphasized the importance of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in addressing the shortage of classrooms...