Manila Mayor "Isko Moreno" Domagoso continues to encourage people to get vaccinated by launching an education campaign about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Domagoso announced the #VaccineAlamin campaign during a live TikTok broadcast with Dr. Arnold Pangan, Manila City health officer, on Monday (Feb. 22).
People, particularly frontline health workers, can share their knowledge or any factual pieces of information with regard to the COVID-19 vaccine by using the hashtag #VaccineAlamin.
The Manila mayor said he aims to reach a different demographic in their campaign to educate more people about the vaccine.
He also said that he will educate people and encourage them to get vaccinated as soon as possible, but he will not force them.
"Hihikayatin ko rin sila, hindi ko pipilitin, hihikayatin ko lang (I will encourage them, I will not force them, I will only encourage them)," he said.
In line with the #VaccineAlamin campaign, Domagoso challenged his followers to create a video that will help educate others about the COVID-19 vaccine. It can be a skit, a dance number, or even a funny video.
"Do something kahit ano kahit katatawanan (anything even if it's funny) that will help educate the #VaccineAlamin. I will do it also," he said.
The education campaign was launched through a partnership between the Manila City government and TikTok.
Domagoso and Dr. Pangan also answered vaccine-related questions from viewers during the live broadcast.
The Manila City Health officer stressed that, although infection is still possible even if you get vaccinated, the vaccine will still serve as an added protection against the deadly virus.
"If you receive the vaccination, you may still be infected. Pag nabakunahan ka na (If you get vaccinated), you will be protected to be in the severe situation," he said.
The two city government officials also discussed their preparations for the arrival of the vaccine, including vaccination simulation exercises and the creation of the Manila COVID-19 Vaccine Action Center.
Domagoso maintained that the COVID-19 vaccines will be administered free of charge to the public, regardless if they are residents of the city or not.
As of Monday, over 89,000 people have pre-registered for a vaccine at manilacovid19vaccine.com.