Many people have died and many Filipinos have lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 pandemic affects not just the healthcare system but also the overall economy of the Philippines. In Zamboanga City, as of March 16, 2021, there have been 4,235 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 3,984 recoveries, 189 deaths and 62 active cases.
The COVID-19 vaccines produce protection against the disease. Developing immunity through vaccination means there is a reduced risk of developing the illness. This immunity helps people fight the virus if exposed. Vaccines are important to protect people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, such as healthcare providers, older or elderly adults, and people with other medical conditions. The government needs to vaccinate at least 70% of the total population to ensure the safety of the community against the COVID-19 virus. As of now, there is a limited supply of vaccines worldwide. First-world countries have already bought about 80% of the total stocks of vaccines in the world. That is why there is no single company that can supply 110 million vaccines to the Philippines.
On March 18, 2021, Philippine Information Agency Region IX (PIA 9) together with the City Government of Zamboanga-PIO and City Health Office facilitated the Information Session on COVID-19 Vaccination Program. The said orientation was participated by several government agencies including the National Nutrition Council Region 9. In her welcome message, Zamboanga City Mayor Hon. Beng Climaco and the City Government of Zamboanga appealed to everyone to be informed about the COVID-19 vaccination in the city. COVID-19 vaccines have an allocated budget of 200 million to help Zamboanguenos get vaccinated. In her speech, she mentioned that Secretary Carlito Galvez and Assistant Secretary of Health, Romeo Ong informed her that Zamboanga City will be a priority area for vaccination.
The Philippine Government has coordinated with seven manufacturers of vaccines. Vaccines that have Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) will be used in the country. The EUA certification will assure the safety of vaccines and these are recommended by independent experts. Vaccines will be given free by the government. To make sure that the healthcare system is functional, priority will be given to the medical frontliners/health care group. Next in line are the eligible senior citizens as they are at the greatest risk of developing severe infections or death. Government employees are in priority group number B2. Those who are severely immunocompromised and with severe reactions during the first dose are not recommended to be vaccinated. The National Government, WHO, and FDA assure that vaccines are safe and effective. The city government of Zamboanga encourages everyone to get vaccinated to have a safe and well-protected community geared towards putting an end on this pandemic.
-PNC-ZDN Rowence Zorilla
-NO II Joanna Marie Baltazar
