AGRI PRODUCTIVITY EYED AS TOOL FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY

As Mindanao directly suffers from the current global crisis, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said Wednesday that boosting agriculture productivity anew could be a possible way to economic recovery.

During the Kusog Mindanaw Virtual Conference Series, MinDA Deputy Executive Director ASec. Romeo Montenegro cited that six out of 10 jobs in Mindanao are related to the agricultural value chain. “So if we wanted to bring back jobs that were lost and create more jobs in the rural areas in moving forward, our direction should be valueadding expanding our agriculture development in Mindanao,” he said. Montenegro presented the facts and figures of Mindanao’s thriving economic landscape amid the COVID-19 pandemic, with agriculture and other related industries as growth drivers. “These prove that despite the global crisis’ shocks and disruptions, the island region can attribute its resilience to agriculture being the only sector that poses a positive growth in this challenging time,” he stressed.

Also, Montenegro bats for Mindanao’s equitable budget share and pushes for the prioritization of catalytic infrastructures and industries development, which are needed to usher in an inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development in the island region.

“An example of how we would want several other LGUs to look at in terms of approach is on a business case we are now developing in Taraka, Lanao del Sur. Taraka, a fourth class municipality, has been able to take out PHP200 million loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) for the construction of six solar-powered irrigation system (SPIS) and water supply system to value add agriculture productivity,” he cited.

It is also the first SPIS to be established under the Mindanao Water Supply Program launched by MinDA, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and DBP, the agencies involved in crafting the MinDAWater Program. Currently, rice farmers of Taraka, an old town beside the 34,000-hectare Lake Lanao, will plant a second crop in one year with the opening of the first-ever local government-funded SPIS.#

NATIONAL NEWS

PCOO bags multiple nominations at the prestigious 26th Asian Television Awards

The Presidential Communications Operations Office bagged six major nominations under different categories of the prestigious 26th Asian Television Awards (ATA).

With an expert panel of over 60 judges across the region with about 50 categories, the ATA was launched in 1996, and it is the Asian TV industry’s most significant and celebrated event, recognizing excellence in programming, production and performance.

Among the nominees are PCOO Secretary Martin M. Andanar, PCOO-OGMPA Assistant Secretary JV Arcena, the Laging Handa Dokyu series and its theme song “Ang Totoong Puso ng Pinoy.”

Communications Secretary Martin M. Andanar was nominated as Best News Presenter or Anchor under Performance category as the host of his regular media platform Network Briefing News (NBN). It is a daily news and information program primarily airing on the Philippine Broadcasting Service, and its format aims to bring oftenunheard stories from lesscovered localities across the country.

“We are truly pleased and grateful that the PCOO is once again nominated for awards by

prestigious international award-giving bodies, and this time in the 26th Asian Television Awards,” Sec. Andanar said.

“This is another testament to the excellence, professionalism, and award-winning nature of the pool of talent we have in the PCOO,” Sec. Andanar added.

“Our outward efforts in disseminating factual and truthful information and content to the Filipino people continue to gain international recognition as a reflection of the overall campaign of the Duterte administration towards informing and engaging the public,” Sec. Andanar bared.

Aside from Andanar, PCOO Office of the Global Media and Public Affairs (PCOOOGMPA) Assistant Secretary JV Arcena has been nominated in two categories, namely: Best Current Affairs Presenter/Host and Best Host/Presenter for Digital, both for the “Laging Handa Dokyu” series, which is also among the nominees of the Best Current Affairs Programme category.

According to Asec. Arcena, these recognitions are the collective results of the PCOO’s commitment in service to the Filipino public.

“The nominations at the 26th Asian Television Awards are the outcome of our team’s collective efforts, dedication, hard work, and commitment to public service for the Filipino people,” Asec. Arcena said.

Launched in 2020, the Laging Handa Dokyu is a series of experiential and informational short documentaries which highlight the lives of healthcare workers and other frontliners, as well as the efforts of the government in combating COVID-19.

Furthermore, “Ang Totoong Puso ng Pinoy”, the theme song of the said documentary series, also bagged back to back nominations for the Best Music Video and Best Theme Song categories.

The song, composed by Asec. Arcena, highlighted the resilience of the Filipino people and paid tribute to healthcare workers and frontliners on the forefront of the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 ATA is set to hold its virtual ceremony on December 10 to 11, 2021.

This year, PCOO also won multiple awards from the prestigious The Stevie Awards and UP Gandingan Awards.

Secretary Andanar: PH winning vs. proliferation of illegal drugs

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday said that the country is winning in terms of addressing the drug menace and proliferation of drugrelated crimes.

In an interview, Secretary Andanar reiterated the government’s report where around 1.2 million drug surrenderers underwent rehabilitation programs and more than P15 billion worth of shabu and another P16 billion worth of dangerous drugs were seized by the authority in the past years.

The said amount does not include the successful crackdown and surveillance operations done this year. Recently, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized about PHP8.6 million worth of party drugs concealed in three shipments in Pasay City. An investigation is also underway to determine the source of the PHP5.3 million worth of cocaine seized in Tawi-Tawi last week.

“Malaki talaga ang naging epekto nitong kampanya natin laban sa iligal na droga, lalo na sa pagsugpo ng drug cartels. Dati, marami sila dito sa bansa pero ngayon, nabawasan ang kanilang network,” he said.

From July 1, 2016 to the present, more than P40 billion worth of illegal drugs, controlled precursors, and essential chemicals have been destroyed, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). part of the initiative to push for safer streets and uplift the wellbeing of Filipinos.

Duterte admin as the “Golden age of Infrastructure”

Secretary Andanar also mentioned the accomplishments of the Duterte Administration in building new bridges and roads, ushering in the golden age of infrastructure for the country.

“It’s really assuring that today, in the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, we were able to have new monumental infrastructure projects like the CebuCordova Link Expressway (CCLEX). This is just one of the projects that would really reflect the accomplishments of the President,” he said.

Bong Go emphasizes he remains as PDP-Laban’s VP candidate

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go hit back against those who continue to question his vice presidential candidacy as he again dispelled rumors that he is clearing the way for another candidate to run in the 2022 elections.

“Alam n’yo ang problema dito... kandidato na po ako ng exactly 39 days…. Ayaw nilang maniwala na kandidato ako as vice president. May partido po ako, kami po ‘yung dominant party ‘yung PDP. At ako po’y kandidato as a vice president,” said Go in an ambush interview after the distribution of assistance to residents of Antipolo City in Rizal on Tuesday, November 9.

“So, bakit ayaw n’yong maniwala na kandidato na ako as vice president?” he added.

As far as he is concerned, Go said that he is determined to run for vice president in the upcoming elections.

“Kung ako ang tatanungin mo, 100 percent na akong tatakbong VP. ‘Di naman po natin kontrolado ang ibang mga gustong tumakbo dahil nga dito sa naayon sa batas, may substitution. ‘Di natin alam kung meron pang gustong tumakbo at pumalit,” said Go.

“Ako, kandidato po ako, senador po ako, halal po ako ng higit 20,600,000 Filipinos. Hindi po laro itong pulitika. Kailangan bigyan po natin ng konsiderasyon ang

Bong Go

taumbayan na naghalal sa iyo. Kapag kandidato ka na, totohanin mo ‘yun. Gampanan mo ang iyong tungkulin,” he added.

In response to those who continue to doubt his candidacy, Go referenced his supporters’ nationwide caravans organized on November 6 and 7 as proof of his decision to run for vice president.

“Sige, kung ayaw n’yong maniwala antayin n’yo na lang po hanggang 15 kung ayaw n’yong maniwala na kandidato ako as vice president. Kung mayro’ng pagbabago...sige. Kung sa tingin ninyo mayro’ng pagbabago sige po, antayin n’yo na lang po,” said Go.

“Kung ayaw ninyong maniwala na kandidato ako as vice president, nakita n’yo naman po all over the country na po ‘yung tarpaulin na naglagay, hindi ko naman po inutusan ang mga ‘yon. Mga volunteers po ‘yon, nagcaravan sila, more than 10 thousand vehicles po nag-caravan sila,” he added. On November 6, hundreds of supporters of Go, who collectively call themselves the Sulong Ang Pag-Unlad Movement, participated in separate caravans organized in multiple areas, including Biliran, Bohol, Cagayan, Camarines Norte, Camiguin, Capiz, Davao de Oro, Eastern Samar, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Laguna, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, North Cotabato, Northern Samar, Nueva Vizcaya, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Pangasinan, Quirino, Rizal, Siquijor, Southern Leyte, Southern Samar, Zambales, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur as well as the cities of Dumaguete, Iloilo, Mandaluyong, Marawi, Iligan, Parañaque, Pasay, Quezon, San Juan, Tacloban and Valenzuela.

On the same day, the Go Bong Go Coalition was also launched in Caloocan City in an activity attended by hundreds of supporters on November 6. The event was led by at least 10 parallel groups, including Bayan for Bong Go (B4BG), Friends of Bong Go (FOBG), Go Kabataan, Go Youth Movement, Riders Pilipinas, FOBG Riders, Gammakins, LGBT PILIPINAS, BAGO 2022, and other volunteer support groups.

On November 7, sectors from various walks of life also showed their support for the vice presidential bid of Go as they attended a Metro Manila caravan.

Go then extended his gratitude to everyone who attended the events, telling them that he will not waste their time or support.

“Maraming salamat po sa inyong suporta sa akin. Nakakataba po ng puso. At susuklian ko po ‘yon ng serbisyo kung sakaling susuwertihin po ako at ihalal po ako bilang bise presidente,” said Go.

“Wala pong masasayang na oras, ni minuto. Magseserbisyo po ako sa inyong lahat kung papalarin po ako at mapipili po ako bilang bise presidente,” he added.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said that he does not want to speculate on plans of the Duterte family following the withdrawal of Mayor Sara Duterte from the Davao City mayoral race in the 2022 elections. He, however, stressed that he is “hoping for the best.”

“Ayoko munang magspeculate ‘no kung ano ‘yung plano ng pamilya at ako naman po ay may partido kasama si Pangulong Duterte, desisyon niya po ito, at desisyon ng partido na tumakbo po ako na bise presidente,” said Go in an ambush interview after delivering aid to struggling residents of Antipolo City on Tuesday, November 9.

“So, ibig sabihin, 39 days na po since I filed my candidacy as a vice president last October 2. Binoto po ako ng tao (noong 2019), mahigit 20.6 million Filipinos ang bumoto sa akin,” he added. Whatever the decision of the Duterte family and his party PDP-Laban is, Go said that he is “the least of their concerns.” He also advised the public to wait and see what might happen in the next days. “Unang-una, mahal na mahal ko po si Pangulong Duterte, may utang na loob po ako sa kanya, at mabigat po sa amin mga Bisaya ‘yung utang na loob, diyan ko po natutunan sa kanya ‘yan, at ayaw ko po siyang bigyan ng sakit ng dibdib dahil lang sa pulitika,” said Go.

“Sabi ko, I’m the least of their worries. Basta isa lang naman ang layunin ko, nabanggit ko kanina ang layunin ko lang naman po ay magserbisyo sa kapwa

Bong Go says he is “hoping for the best” amid speculations that Sara Duterte’s withdrawal from Davao City mayoral race could affect his VP bid

ko Pilipino kahit na anong kapasidad po, patuloy po akong magseserbisyo. Antayin nalang po natin sa mga susunod na araw kung ano po ‘yung magiging desisyon ng pamilya Duterte at ng partido namin, ng PDP,” he added.

Sara Duterte revealed on Tuesday that she has officially dropped her reelection candidacy for Davao City mayor. Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte, her younger brother, abandoned his reelection candidacy and may run for the city’s top post as his sister’s replacement candidate.

Meanwhile, Go explained why he grew emotional after Antipolo Mayor Andrea Ynares’ and former Governor Casimiro Ynares’ speeches in which they said Go is qualified for the vice presidency. He said that he was overwhelmed by the outpouring support of the public for him.

“Alam nyo, naging emotional po ako dahil nakikita, kanina nakita ko ‘yung mga tao naghahawak ng placard, na na-appreciate nila. Sabi ko hindi nyo naman po kami kailangang pasalamatan dahil trabaho naman po namin “Na-touch po ako doon sa sinabi ni Mayor na kahit pa nagtatrabaho po ako ng tahimik ay nakikita rin pala nila, naa-appreciate nila na nagtatrabaho at syempre gusto ko pa rin pong makatulong. Wala naman po akong interes dito sa trabahong ito kung hindi magserbisyo lang po sa aking kapwa Pilipino,” he added.

Go said that he would not speculate if Sara Duterte’s decision to drop her reelection candidacy for Davao City mayor will affect his own vice presidential bid. He however empathized with supporters who have committed their time and effort to prepare for the campaign.

“Naging emosyonal po ako doon na kung sakaling may changes po, kung saka-sakali may mga movements because of this substitution issue, kung mayroon mang pagbabago,” said Go.

“Nalulungkot lang po ako, lalung-lalo na po para sa mga supporters natin na nagpagod na po na walang kapagurang sumusuporta, naniniwala, umiikot sa buong Pilipinas para hikayatan at ipaalam sa taumbayan ang kandidatura ko, nalulungkot po ako para sa kanila sa mga naniniwala sa akin,” said Go.

The senator, however, said that he’s “hoping for the best.”

“Ibig sabihin sana po’y sabi ko nga sana walang masagasaan at sana po’y hindi rin po ako masagasaan. Kung saka-sakali man pong masagasaan ako, ayaw ko po na magiging sakit ng dibdib ng taong mahal ko si Pangulong Duterte,” said Go.

“I’m the least of their problems. Dahil mahal ko po si Pangulong Duterte. So sabi ko antayin nalang po natin hanggang November 15, kung may pagbabago. Dalawa lang naman po ‘yan (nakapag-file) na po ako as (candidate for) Vice President for the last 39 days. Saan pa ba ako pupunta if ever, kung sakaling may pagbabago? Dalawang position lang po ‘yun.

“Antayin na lang po natin kung ano ang magiging desisyon ni Pangulong Duterte at desisyon po ng partido, salamat po,” he ended.

Bong Go vows support for Antipolo City, gives aid to indigent residents to help them cope with the challenges of the pandemic

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally visited Antipolo City, Rizal on Tuesday, November 9, to meet with residents who have been adversely affected by the pandemic and to discuss with local officials the current state of the COVID-19 response in their city.

In a speech at the activity, Go offered his office’s assistance to the affected sectors and assured the people of the province that the Duterte Administration would continue to stand with them as they begin to recover and rebuild from the ongoing crisis. “Ayaw namin ni Pangulong (Rodrigo) Duterte na pinapasalamatan kami dahil trabaho namin ito. Kami po’y mga probinsyano lamang na taga-Davao na binigyan ng Panginoon ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo. Kaya hindi namin sasayangin ang pagkakataon na ito. Ibabalik po namin ang serbisyo na para sa inyo,” vowed Go.

“Kung may natutunan man ako sa kanya (Duterte) ito ay ang unahin mo ang interes ng iyong kapwa at hinding-hindi ka magkakamali. Kaya isa din sa mga inspirasyon ko sa public service ay ang pamilyang Ynares dahil nakita ko kung paano silang nagseserbisyo,” he continued.

The senator and his staff distributed meals, food packs, vitamins and masks to a total of 728 residents in batches at the Ynares Center while observing the necessary health and safety protocols against COVID-19.

They gave selected recipients new pairs of shoes and bicycles for commuting to work and provided others with computer tablets which children can use while studying at home.

from various government agencies were also in attendance as part of a whole-of-government effort to improve the well-being of Filipinos.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed separate financial assistance while the Department of Labor and Employment compensated some residents for the services they rendered under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged / Displaced Workers program.

The Department of Agriculture set up a community pantry and the Department of Health also gave away medicines and additional vitamins. Further, the Department of Trade and Industry conducted assessments of potential beneficiaries for its assistance programs.

The senator continued his message urging everyone to stay disciplined in fighting the pandemic. He called on all eligible residents to get vaccinated, hailing the recent gains in the vaccine front which have led to the current drop in COVID-19 cases.

The country, which recently exceeded its supply target of 100 million doses of vaccines, has now administered a total of 64.9 million doses as of November 8. More than 35.1 million individuals have received their first doses while 29.8 million Filipinos are already fully vaccinated.

“Nakakatuwa at mataas na ang vaccination rate ninyo dito sa Antipolo City. Hindi na rin nalalayo na maging Alert Level 2 kayo at mabubuksan na ang lokal na ekonomiya. Pero kailangan bumaba muna ang bilang ng mga kaso gaya sa Maynila kung saan 88% na ang bakunado,” encouraged Go.

“Nasa datos na pagbakunado kayo mas maiiwasan niyo ang grabeng sintomas ng COVID-19. Kaya kung gusto niyong tulungan ang mga frontliners, magpabakuna na kayo at sumunod sa mga protocols dahil hindi natin alam baka hindi bakunado ang katabi niyo,” he cautioned.

Go offered further assistance to those needing medical care and advised them to visit the Malasakit Center at the Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV (Mambugan), Margarito A. Duavit Memorial Hospital in Binangonan, Bagong Cainta Municipal Hospital or Casimiro A. Ynares Sr. Memorial Hospital in Rodriguez.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where patients can conveniently apply for medical assistance from government agencies, specifically the DOH, DSWD, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

The program began as a convergence initiative of the Office of the President in 2018 and has since expanded to 148 hospitals nationwide. Go served as the principal author and

sponsor of the measure that became the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019.

“Maglilimang taon na po akong nagda-dialysis nitong February. Nagpapasalamat ako sa senador dahil tinutulungan niya kami at kailangan talaga namin ito sa panahon ngayon. Gaya nito, gagamitin ko ang pera na ‘to pangbayad sa gamot at mga treatment. Kung ano mang tulong ang ibibigay niya ay ibabalik namin ito sa kanya. Nakasiguro na ‘yon sa siya ang iboboto ko bilang bise presidente sa susunod na halalan,” said Ramon Fidel, 51.

To end, the senator thanked the various officials who extended their cooperation and assistance, namely Presidential Adviser for Southern Tagalog Region Secretary Casimiro Ynares Jr., Governor Rebecca Ynares, Vice Governor Reynaldo San Juan Jr., Mayor Andrea Ynares, Vice Mayor Josefina Gatlabayan, former Governor and Mayor Casimiro Ynares III, and the members of the City Council.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported numerous initiatives to improve the delivery of public services and foster economic growth in Rizal. He supported the construction of the Justice Building in Barangay Inarawan and rehabilitation of the drainage system along Napoleon Street.

Other major initiatives include the improvement of the road and drainage system in Angono and Rodriguez; rehabilitation of the flood control structures along the upper Marikina River in Rodriguez; construction of the Batangas Medical Center Annex in Rodriguez; construction of the Taytay Sports Complex; construction and improvement of a multipurpose building and new roads in Baras; and purchase and installation of streetlights in San Mateo.

In line with his commitment as an adopted son of the CALABARZON region, the senator also personally provided aid to 197 health workers and 130 patients during a monitoring visit at the Antipolo City Hospital System Annex IV and 76 fire victims at the new Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office building on the same day.

“Pagdating ng panahon, patuloy pa din akong magseserbisyo sa inyo. Kahit na kapitan nalang kami ni Pangulong Duterte, magserbisyo at tutuparin ko ang mga ipinangako ko,” said Go.

”Alam niyo, inikot ko na ang buong Pilipinas. Mula Batanes hanggang Jolo, pinutahan ko para makapagbigay ng tulong, makabigay ng solusyon sa mga problema at makapag-iwan ng ngiti sa panahon ng pagdadalamhati ng mga Pilipino. Nakakawalang pagod sa totoo lang, nakakawalang pagod talaga.”

Gov’t eyes 1M daily vaccination rate beginning Nov. 30

National Task Force against Covid-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (Presidential photo)

The government is eyeing to achieve its targeted average daily vaccination rate of at least 1 million up to 1.5 million doses beginning Nov. 30, National Task Force (NTF) against Covid-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said on Wednesday.

During the prerecorded Talk to the People of President Rodrigo Duterte aired Wednesday morning, Galvez added the government also targets to administer at least 15 million doses of coronavirus vaccines before the end of this month.

To achieve this goal, Galvez said there is a need to activate around 4,000 to 5,000 vaccination sites operating nationwide and can accommodate at least 500 vaccinees daily.

If these sites can vaccinate up to 1,000 individuals once operational, then the targeted 5 million doses weekly will be achievable, he added.

“So we will be utilizing the [shopping] malls, universities, schools, gyms, military/police

camps, and function hall of the different government agencies,” he said.

Galvez, also the country’s vaccine czar, announced that the government, in partnership with the Philippine Medical Association and its allied medical groups within the Rotary Club, will soon hold a National Vaccination Day “either November 20 or 30.”

He said it will be participated “by mobilizing the NGOs, government agencies, private sector, and the volunteers,” noting that the initiative will further accelerate the country’s vaccination program.

The government is also mulling to fully vaccinate at least 90 percent of the education sector including teachers, students, and other school personnel.

Citing data reported by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chair Prospero de Vera, Galvez said 87 to 90 percent of the teachers’ population were already vaccinated.

The government will also ramp up the vaccination of teaching personnel and secondary students under the Department of Education (DepEd), he added.

He said the administration of booster shots for medical workers and other healthcare personnel in the hospitals will be prioritized by the end of the month.

Galvez said the government also targets to fully vaccinate at least 50 percent of the population residing in high-risk areas such as Calabarzon and Central Luzon regions.

The huge disparity of vaccination rate in these areas compared to the National Capital Region must be addressed, he said.

He added there is a need to ramp up the vaccination of senior citizens as they are the most vulnerable to the disease. “We will still concentrate on vaccinating senior citizens so that we can achieve [full vaccination of] at least 70 percent [by the end of November],” he said.

The latest data of the National Covid-19 Vaccination dashboard showed the Philippines has already administered a total of 60,406,424 doses, with 27,749,809 individuals already fully vaccinated and 32,656,615 others have received the first dose.

The average daily vaccination rate in the last seven weeks has slightly slowed down to 511,434 doses, compared to the previous week’s 522,272 doses due to the observance of the All Saints’ Day holiday.

However, health authorities expressed optimism that the country will be able to increase its average daily vaccination rate with the bulk of Covid-19 vaccines now being continuously delivered. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani)

Over 106M vaccine doses cleared since February: BOC

(PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Monday reported that it has cleared over 106 million doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines that arrived in the country since the arrival of the first shipment of jabs in February.

In a statement, the bureau said the running total number of vaccine doses in the country is now at 106,245,420.

These include 3,507,800 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine and 4,049,370 Pfizer jabs that arrived from October 28 to 31.

On October 28, National Task Force against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., Finance Undersecretary Mark Dennis Joven, and BOCPort of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) District Collector Carmelita Talusan witnessed the arrival of the 976,950 doses of governmentprocured Pfizer vaccine, which raised the number of vaccine doses secured by the country to over 100 million.

To date, a total of eight vaccine brands are being used in the inoculation program of the government -- Sinovac, AstraZeneca, Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Sputnik V, Hayat-Vax, and Sinopharm.

The first shipment of Covid-19 vaccines in the country contained 600,000 doses of Sinovac which was donated by the Chinese government.

The clearance of the vaccine shipments were processed and released through the advance clearance process while underguarding duties were also handled by BOC’s CoVax Special Handling Taskforce composed of security and operations unit of the bureau. (PNA/ Ferdinand Patinio)

Over 59M shots given; 27.3M Pinoys now fully vaccinated

Over 27 million Filipinos are now fully protected against coronavirus infections, according to the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 tracker on Sunday.

Based on the National Covid-19 Vaccination Dashboard, the Philippines has already administered 59,134,236 doses nationwide.

Of the total, 31,862,067 doses were given as first shots and 27,272,169 were used as second doses.

The country’s average daily vaccination rate in the last seven days stood at 518,294 doses.

NTF chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier said the government targets to increase the average daily jabs administered to up to 1.5 million doses to reach its goal of protecting at least 50 million Filipinos by yearend.

The vaccination rate is expected to increase with the start of the nationwide pediatric vaccination on Nov. 3, targeting 12.7 million minors aged 12 to 17 years. Previous inoculation activities prioritized those with comorbidities.

Galvez said at least 157 hospitals and non-hospital vaccination sites will be utilized.

Booster shots for health care workers may also be administered within November, pending the Emergency Use Authorization amendments and the final recommendation from the World Health Organization. (PNA/Lade Jean Kabagani)

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