By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The city government of Bacolod and the provincial government of Negros Occidental are “all systems go” as the three-day national COVID-19 vaccination drive dubbed as “Bayanihan Bakunahan” begins today.

In Negros Occidental, Provincial Incident Management Team (PIMT) and Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD) head, Dr. Zeaphard Caelian, said everything is already in place including additional personnel who will augment in the vaccination centers.

Caelian said Negros Occidental has thousands of doses of COVID-19 vaccines of different brands.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson had earlier stated that they are targeting to vaccinate at least 31,000 individuals in one day or 1,000 individuals for the 31 local government units in the province.

Once the three-day activity is up, the total number of vaccinated individuals will be 93,000, the governor added.

Meanwhile, in Bacolod City, Mayor Evelio Leonardia urged the city’s residents to participate in the three-day vaccination program.

Dr. Chris Sorongon, deputy for medical of the Bacolod City Emergency Operations Center, said all vaccination centers will be opened today in order to cater to everyone who wants to get the vaccine.

Earlier, City Health Office officer-in-charge, Dr. Edwin Miraflor, Jr. said they are targeting 22,000 residents to flock to 40 vaccination sites each day of the Bayanihan Bakunahan.

Those who want to get a booster shot are also free to participate.

Moreover, in order to prepare all of the vaccination facilities, the city government elected to close down all vaccination centers yesterday in order to prepare all of the necessary supplies, equipment, and personnel.

The city currently needs to vaccinate at least 624,987 of the target population in order to achieve herd immunity./DGB, WDJ