The Philippine government launched on Labor Day (May 1) the nationwide simultaneous COVID-19 inoculation of frontline economic workers included in the national vaccination program’s A4 priority list.
A total of 1,200 workers, including overseas Filipino workers, joined the symbolic vaccination in the City of Manila. This was attended by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director-General Isidro Lapeña, and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso.
“Sayang nga lang dahil kulang pa, pero kahit papaano inumpisahan na natin ang pagpabakuna sa kanila, at habang darating ang mga bakuna sila ay mapa-prioritize,” Bello said.
“Kumuha tayo doon sa mga sektor na allowed sa A4, kasi sila na talaga ‘yung susunod din – ‘yung mga customer-facing na malaki exposure nila sa pagharap sa tao,” Lopez said.
Domagoso said the inoculation of essential workers will boost consumer confidence and the morale of laborers.
Around 516 workers and OFWs participated in the Labor Day vaccination.
The Quezon City government also began inoculating around 200 to 250 tricycle drivers and delivery riders through its drive-thru vaccination. They were also given rice and food assistance.
The administration of vaccines was led by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III. He said the official start of A4 priority list vaccination will take place late May or early June. – Report from Patrick de Jesus, Rod Lagusad/AG-jlo
