The Department of Health (DOH) has welcomed the offer of the Catholic hierarchy to use churches as COVID-19 vaccination centers.
DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said that the offer will increase public confidence in coronavirus vaccines.
"We welcome the gracious offer of the Church leaders and that will complement our capacities and also in building the vaccine confidence of our people," said Duque during a press briefing in Quezon City on Thursday.
"Maganda po ang kanilang offer and we will take it anytime," he said.
Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. also agreed with the Health chief.
"We welcome yung kagustuhan ng ating mga bishop and I believe being a religious community malaking increase ng possible confidence sa ating mga kababayan sa bakuna ," said Galvez.
In a press briefing also on Thursday, Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Archbishop Romulo Valles said that their offer was discussed during their recent virtual plenary assembly.
"The bishops decided to offer, if needed, church facilities to be (used as) vaccination centers or facilities related to the vaccination program," said Valles.
CBCP Vice President Bishop Pablo David assured that Church leaders will cooperate with the local government units with regard to the COVID-19 vaccination program.
"We are partnering with our local government units in this vaccination program. Anything that can allay the fears of vaccination we will offer in the church," he said.