Quezon City Rep. Alfred Vargas has asked government to tap the services of the country’s social workers in helping government restore people’s trust on the state vaccination program as he cited their impact in helping ensure success in the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination program.

Vargas, chairman of the House Committee on Social Services, said government must act double time in convincing a good majority of Filipinos to allow COVID-19 vaccination, stressing that social workers can help out address the problem.

“They know their communities and can convince them to participate in the COVID vaccination process,” said Vargas.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development said it has deployed at least 10,000 social workers all throughout the country.

These DSWD employees are capable of assisting the Department of Health communicate the value of having oneself vaccinated and freed from the threat of the dreaded COVID-19.

 Vargas aired the proposal to tap social workers in helping restore public confidence on state programs on vaccination.

Health officials have blamed the Dengvaxia hysteria in 2017 as one of the strongest factors that had triggered public doubts on mass vaccination.

Dr. Lulu Bravo, executive director of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination, aired concerns that the country may not be ready yet for COVID-19 vaccination as the public is hesitant and there needs to be more done to convince them.

 This is supported by data from OCTA Research that conducted a survey showing that in Metro Manila, a COVID hot spot, only 25% are willing to be vaccinated, 28% would not want to be vaccinated at all and a large proportion of 47% remains undecided. Recent reports on the low efficacy of the China-made SinoVac/CoronaVac vaccine also contributed to the hesitancy.

“Let us harness the full potential of the social worker, as they are highly credible individuals, respected and accepted by their communities,” said Vargas.

The QC lawmaker has called on the DSWD and non-government organizations such as the Philippine Association of Social Workers to device plans on how each group can contribute in ensuring the success of the COVID-19 vaccination program that will soon  be rolled out.

He also called on Secretary Martin Andanar of the PCOO, the government agency that controls PTV4, to come out with a campaign that will help Filipinos accept the benefits of vaccination.

Vargas said he is working closely with local officials to improve vaccine acceptance and the implementation of neighborhood information programs that will help the national government in the seamless implementation of the COVID vaccination. 

“We need to convince our people that being vaccinated is the best action to regain a sense of normalcy. This is our best path to recovery,” he said.