Negros Occidental topped the three-day national vaccination drive in Western Visayas with 213,291 vaccine recipients or 142.19 percent of its target, a DOH partial report as of 11:30 a.m. Thursday, December 2, showed.
The target number set by the Department of Health (DOH) for Negros Occidental during the “Bayanihan Bakunahan” campaign from November 29 to December 1 was 150,000 vaccine recipients.
Vaccinated in Negros Occidental on Day 1 were 68,911, Day 2 – 71,012 and Day 3 – 73,368, the DOH reported.
Bacolod City had the third highest number of vaccine recipients in the region at 70,752 accomplishing a 106.92 percent record beyond its target set by DOH of 66,171 recipients.
Vaccinated in Bacolod on Day 1 were 29,047, Day 2 – 18,897 and Day 3 – 22,808, the DOH reported.
Iloilo province had the second highest number of vaccine recipients at 134,500.
The DOH said an extension of the massive vaccination “will depend on the LGUs willingness and interest to sustain the NVD (National Vaccination Days) momentum”.
About 24 local government units in Western Visayas have voluntarily extended the NVD in their areas until Friday, December 3, including some from Negros Occidental.
The DOH said Hinigaran, Talisay City, Sagay City, EB Magalona, Candoni, Silay City, San Carlos City, San Enrique, Himamaylan City, Bago City, Murcia, Kabankalan City, Escalante City and Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental are among the areas that planned to extend until December 3.
Dr. Adriano Suba-an, DOH 6 regional director, said a partial report shows 592,341 persons were vaccinated during the three-day drive in Western Visayas, or 74.88 percent of the target.
Suba-an said the DOH continues to encourage all eligible persons to get vaccinated to prevent severe COVID-19 complications and ultimately achieve herd immunity to move the country forward to normalcy.
He stressed that regardless of brand, all COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
Meanwhile, Mayor Evelio Leonardia thanked Bacolodnons for their all-out support to the national government’s drive to fast-track efforts to accomplish herd immunity.
“Today, more residents are now assured of protection from COVID-19. Thanks to the Bayanihan Bakunahan event and the hundreds of our volunteers. The people of Bacolod are very thankful for your dedication and commitment to keep our communities safe,” the mayor said.
Suba-an, received his booster jab in Bacolod City with Dr. Edwin Miraflor, Jr., City Health Office officer-in-charge, administering the vaccine, on Monday.
Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz also said the three-day mass vaccination drive in Negros Occidental was very successful, as they exceeded their target by 63,271 vaccine recipients based on a partial report Thursday.
“We are thankful to President Duterte for the vaccines that were made available to Negrenses,” he said.
They will continue to convince people to get vaccinated for their own protection and for their families, he said.
The provincial government will continue to hasten its mass vaccination drive to hit herd immunity in Negros Occidental at the soonest possible time, he said.
COVID-19 cases in the province have dropped drastically that means the vaccination program has made a difference, Diaz added.*