SECRETARY ANDANAR ON THE RECENT STATEMENT OF SENATE PRESIDENT VICENTE SOTTO III ON THE COVID-19 VACCINE COMMUNICATIONS

We sympathize with Senate President Vicente Sotto III’s recent statement that there is an apparent apprehension among Filipinos to get vaccinated, which is why the PCOO has been intensifying its communications campaign to further educate and enlighten Filipinos on the government’s vaccination program. The challenge of the lack of understanding in this regard remains a widespread problem. This gets further complicated with misinformation and disinformation by some individuals and groups who claim that vaccination is not an ideal and safe option for virus immunization. However, with clear and concise communications and information drives, knowledge and clarity on the matter will be achieved.

As the lead communications arm of the Duterte administration, we in the PCOO have been undertaking communications and information campaigns not only on the COVID-19 pandemic, but also on the upcoming rollout of our national vaccination

Through our Laging Handa Communications and Information Campaign, alongside different national and local agencies, we are able to communicate and enlighten Filipinos on important information related to the pandemic, government policies, and recovery programs, especially our vaccination program.

Furthermore, our Laging Handa website, press briefings, “Explain, Explain Explain: Pagdalaw” events, different Town Hall meetings, and Media Literacy trainings, among others, have been vital towards achieving our desired behaviour of getting at least 70% of our population inoculated to achieve herd immunity.

Different contents for social and traditional media platforms are being utilized and maximized to inform the Filipinos of our vaccination program, including how it will not only benefit themselves, but also their loved ones, and every other Filipino. We want to deliver to them the message that the vaccination program can save lives, revive hopes, and shape our collective future as a nation.

We will continue our intensified communications and information campaigns in order to inform every Filipino and assist the national government in the rollout and implementation of our national vaccination program so that we can heal, recover, and rise as one nation.