MANILA, Philippines — As the country’s pandemic numbers improve, President Duterte yesterday claimed the Philippines is winning the battle against COVID-19 but reminded the public to cooperate in efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.
In remarks welcoming the arrival of 2,805,000 doses of Russia-made Sputnik V vaccines in Pasay City, Duterte urged Filipinos to “cooperate and do their part to help overcome this pandemic.”
“The government cannot do this alone and we need your active participation by getting vaccinated and strictly following the minimum health standards,” the President said.
“Let us celebrate all our meaningful victories against COVID-19 pandemic. We are winning our battle against the virus. Let us continue to be safe and in good health,” he added.
Duterte assured Filipinos that his administration is committed to secure safe and effective COVID-19 jabs.
“I acknowledge the strong efforts of the Department of Health, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the National Task Force against COVID-19 and other institutional partners for ensuring a steady supply of vaccines in this country,” Duterte said.
“Amidst the threat of variants, you attended to the prompt, safe and effective delivery, distribution and administration of the vaccines across the country. Let us work together to put an end to this disease and its harmful effects to our people and economy for nearly two years now,” he added.
The President thanked Russia for supplying the Philippines with pandemic shots, saying the arrival of more than 2.8 million doses of Sputnik V vaccines “gives us reason to be thankful for the strong support of our friends from the international community in overcoming the pandemic.”
“Let me express my gratitude to the Russian government for the continued supply of life-saving COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines. These deliveries affirm Russia’s commitment to (achieving global) vaccine equity and improving vaccine accessibility to countries, especially the Philippines,” Duterte said.
“I deeply appreciate Russia’s efforts in fostering cooperation in various areas, including the fight against COVID-19. Goodwill initiatives, such as this vaccine donation and others, demonstrate the strong ties and friendship between Russia and the Philippines,” he added.
Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said the more than 2.8 million doses of Sputnik V shots procured by the government – the biggest shipment of Russian-made vaccines – would benefit about 3.5 million individuals.
The arrival of the Sputnik V vaccines was also witnessed by Russian Ambassador Marat Pavlov, Sen. Bong Go, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, Chief of Presidential Protocol Robert Borje, Health Undersecretary Ma. Carolina Vidal-Taiño and Special Envoy to Russia Olivia Limpe-Aw.
Sen. Bong Go, meanwhile, expressed his support for the three-day National Vaccination Day from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 and called on Filipinos to “be a hero, get vaccinated, save lives!” The second day of the three-day event falls on Bonifacio Day.
“Let us be heroes in our own way and put a stop to the spread of this virus by getting vaccinated. I encourage everyone to get vaccinated, especially since the program is open to the general population,” Go, chairman of the Senate committee on health, said.
“So let’s show concern for our frontliners and set a schedule for your jab at your nearest vaccination site. Don’t be afraid of the vaccine because it is the only solution that can help us gradually return to our normal life,” he added.
Go said the government has administered 64.2 million doses as of Nov. 7. A total of 34.7 million individuals have received their first dose while 29.5 million Filipinos are already fully vaccinated. – Cecille Suerte Felipe