The Taguig City government is rolling out a P13.5-billion budget this year, including P1 billion intended for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines to protect its residents from the deadly disease.
Mayor Lino Edgardo Cayetano said they decided to include P1 billion in their 2021 Recovery Budget Program because they want to ensure every resident of Taguig has access to free COVID-19 vaccine.
“As early as September, we have already started planning for vaccination. It will complement our other ongoing anti-COVID programs like our aggressive mass testing and treatment,” said Cayetano.
He added the city wants to make sure that “testing continues throughout 2021 and that our free testing in 30 health centers and two drive-through sites continue and we continue to invest in healthcare and treatment.”
Cayetano said the city’s own molecular laboratory and disease surveillance units will also continue operations and will be funded in 2021 since disease surveillance is one of the most important aspects of preventing the spread of COVID-19 and othe infectious diseases even while the vaccine is being rolled out.
“We are working closely with the Joint Task Force and the Department of Health for the allotment of vaccine for Taguig but also already talking to suppliers for our own procurement once we are given the green light. We are also set to launch our model vaccine stations and out citizens ID this January. Both are important components of vaccine rollout plan,” he added.
Cayetano assured his constituents his administration has prepared early for all COVID-19 contingencies and reminds them that vaccination is important but it is just one component in the continued fight against the deadly disease.
“We need to continue to be vigilant and be responsible,” the city chief executive said.
Taguig had the lowest active cases in Metro Manila to end 2020 and is confident it will lead in the transition to the new normal.
“Balance between finally opening up all remaining aspects of the economy and getting people back to work; getting kids back to school and finally getting all aspects of society back on track will be the most important goals of 2021,” said Cayetano.