CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan -- The Department of Health (DOH) Central Luzon Center for Health Development lauded the readiness of the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB) headed by Governor Daniel R. Fernando on its rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program.

During a meeting for the assessment of Bulacan Vaccination Logistics Preparedness held at the Francisco Balagtas Hall in Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center on Wednesday, Dr. Hjordis Marushka Celis, Provincial Health Officer II, said the province has already accomplished 69 percent of the vaccination plan including coordination, and financing and budgeting; prioritization and targeting; service delivery; training, monitoring/supervision; vaccines, cold chain, and logistics; safety surveillance and response; demand generation, social mobilization, and communication.

Celis also presented the feedback report from the previous simulation exercise to the DOH representatives to properly address shortcomings experienced during the exercise.

Dr. Leilani Mangulabnan, DOH Chief of Local Health Support Division, commended the progress of the province in terms of preparing the micro plan for vaccination.

“Mahalaga po ‘yung mga naipresent niyo na micro plan, ito po yung pinaka-essential. Ang microplan po ang magiging key para maging matagumpay po ang ating pagbabakuna. Although 16% pa lang po ang readiness doon sa microplan, sa opinion po namin at this level, magandang simula po iyon,” (The micro plan you presented is important, the most essential. The micro plan will be the key to the success of our vaccination. Although it is only at 16% on micro plan readiness, in our opinion, at this level, it's a good start)," Mangulabnan said.

She commended the province for having a very good plan for communication to address vaccine hesitancy and promote vaccine confidence

Fernando told the DOH that they are open to any recommendations that may improve the province's vaccination plan. He said the PGB is continuously conducting orientations to different sectors and organizations in the province for the demand generation communication and implementation plan to further help the province educate the Bulakenyos.

“Kailan lamang ay nagkaroon tayo ng simulation exercise na naging matagumpay naman po at naipakita natin na ang Province of Bulacan ay may capability naman dito sa pagsasagawa ng vaccination. Kung ano man po ang nakikita niyong kakulangan namin ay kayo na po ang bahalang gumabay sa amin. Handa po ang Provincial Government na sumunod sa lahat ng inyong ipag-uutos para sa kaligtasan ng ating mamamayan. Tulong-tulong po tayo,” (Just recently we conducted a simulation exercise that successfully showed that the province has the capability to operate its vaccination plan. Whatever our shortcomings, we will need your guidance. The provincial government is ready to follow your instructions for the safety of our people. Let us help each other)," the governor said.