As the country waits for the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines amid ongoing developments worldwide, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is appealing to consider prioritizing farmers in the vaccination drive.
Among the priorities initially set by the government for the nationwide inoculation program are medical frontline workers, military and police personnel, and vulnerable sectors and individuals.
Agriculture Secretary William Dar previously stated that farmers and fisher folks are also considered frontline workers as they ensure food security in the country amid the prevailing pandemic.
“Tayo ay nakikipag-ugnayan na sa mga pribadong sektor, Presidential Adviser Joey Conception kung pwede ring mabigyan ng pansin ang sektor ng agrikultura (We are coordinating with the private sector, with Presidential Adviser Joey Concepcion if we can give consideration to the agriculture sector),” Dar appealed.
The government has assured that negotiations with vaccine developers abroad are ongoing and that the country has enough funds to support the vaccination program to achieve herd immunity. – PTV News
