President Duterte encouraged the public to set aside their fears and have themselves vaccinated with the CoronaVac shots, saying the Chinese vaccines are safe and validated by home-grown experts.
Duterte made the statement as he welcomed the 600,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines donated by the Chinese government at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Sunday, February 28.
In his speech, Duterte urged the public to get vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the soonest time possible.
"To my fellow Filipinos, please set your fears aside. These vaccines are backed by science and deliberated on by our experts. Filipino experts," he said.
"I encourage you to get vaccinated at the soonest possible time. And be our partner in preventing the further spread of this disease," he added.
The President likewise called on those willing to get the jab to still observe health and safety protocols to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"To those who will be vaccinated, I also urge you to continue practicing health and safety protocols as we wait for the final approval of all and more vaccines," Duterte said.
"Remember to wear masks, wash hands and observe social distancing. Your cooperation here is key and will undoubtedly save numerous lives along the way," he added.
The President said that with the public's cooperation, the country can emerge victorious in the fight against the health crisis.
"With the entire nation’s support, I am confident that we will claim victory over this pandemic," Duterte said.
"Panahon ngayon para mag-bayanihan (It is the time to work together). Let us all demonstrate unity in our shared task of nation-building and healthier society for every Filipino," he added.
The Philippines is set to receive a million more doses of CoronaVac in March. The country is also expecting the arrival of 525,600 doses of the British-Swedish AstraZeneca vaccine next month.