BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Evelio Leonardia decided to get inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine here over the weekend to encourage his constituents to do the same.
Leonardia received his first dose of AstraZeneca vaccine administered by City Health Officer Dr. Edwin Miraflor Jr. at the Bacolod City Government Center Saturday.
The Bacolod mayor was vaccinated after the National COVID-19 Vaccination Operations Center issued an advisory last April 5 that allowed local chief executives in critical and high-risk provinces, cities, and municipalities to be inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines.
Based on the list, the city is one of the highly urbanized cities considered as critical and high-risk areas.
Leonardia said that he decided to get his first vaccine shot to set an example to Bacolodnons as there are still some residents who are hesitant to get vaccinated.
"This is a question of moral leadership," the mayor here said, adding that he has to set aside his personal preferences because he has to stick to his moral obligation.
Leonardia said he is hoping that his action could send a message to the people how important to be vaccinated in this time of pandemic.
The city has procured 650,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines for 325,000 Bacolodnons, which is 68 percent of the total population, Leonardia said.
"This is our chance," he said as he assured that the city is almost ready to accommodate everyone.