Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson is strongly encouraging all provincial government employees to submit themselves for inoculation against COVID-19, with the “Barangay Kapitolyo” vaccination drive set to start Thursday, May 20.
“We cannot force anybody, but we will strongly encourage them to take this opportunity. Experts tell us that the vaccine would be the final solution for us to end this pandemic,” he said.
We are already wearing face masks and shields, and practicing social distancing and proper hygiene, vaccination is part of the whole protocol in the fight against COVID-19, he said.
The Barangay Kapitolyo mass vaccination will start with senior citizens and persons with comorbidities on Thursday, to be followed by the rest of the employees, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said.
The Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees welcomes the Barangay Capitolyo mass vaccination drive and is thankful to the provincial government headed by the governor for his concern for the entire workforce, PACE president Renelo Lastierre said.
“The employees of this province are not exempted to the effects of this pandemic. Hence, protecting the workers who serve this province shall be primordial to the continuous delivery of public services,” he said.
Dr. Jessica Fama, medical specialist 3 of the Provincial Heath Office, said they are currently conducting an inventory of the senior citizens and persons with comorbidities at the Capitol for an orderly vaccination drive at the Negros Residences at Gatuslao Street in Bacolod City.
A schedule will be made per department for the orderly administration of the vaccines, she said.
Meanwhile, Lacson said about 10 of the 46 Capitol employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 have recovered.*