The Bacolod City government is further strengthening its anti-COVID vaccination drive via a weekend jab targeting 1,600 vaccinees at the 888 Chinatown Square mall on October 23 to 24.

The 888 Mall vaccination will be held simultaneously with the SM City and Ayala Malls Capitol Central schedule, and the Emergency Operations Center-Task Force (EOC-TF) is expecting a big turnout of vaccinees as the COVID-19 Vaccination Council (CoVaC) will also accommodate non-Bacolod City residents who work or study in the city, EOC-TF Executive Director and CoVaC Coordinator Em Ang said.

“Everyone is now a top priority. Our goal is to protect everyone and save our healthcare system by achieving herd immunity as fast as we can,” Ang said.

“No one should be left behind,” she added.

As of October 11, the city government has vaccinated 210,871 individuals. Of the number, 151,686 are fully vaccinated.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia has been calling on unvaccinated Bacolodnons, especially the senior citizens and those with co-morbidities, to get inoculated at vaccination sites nearest them.

The mayor also urged them to help educate their family members that the vaccine is their protection against COVID-19.

The EOC-TF will also utilize its VAX-i mobile buses to go to the different puroks so that those who are bedridden will also get vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the EOC-TF is extending its appreciation to the management of 888 Chinatown Square for its strong support to the city’s campaign against the pandemic.

Public and private partnership plays a big role to ensure success of the local government unit’s vaccination drive, Ang said.

“On September 26, 888 Mall opened for us. We had our pilot vaccination which turned out to be very successful. We are hoping that we can have regular operations at 888, simultaneous with Ayala Malls, CityMall Goldenfields, CityMall Mandalagan, Gaisano City, Robinsons Place, SM City, Jollibee East, Jollibee Gatuslao, Ceres North and South Bus Terminals,” EOC Deputy Medical Dr. Chris Sorongon said./WDJ