The government is gearing up for the distribution of more coronavirus vaccines to places outside Metro Manila.
As more coronavirus shots are expected to arrive in the country, President Duterte has directed vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. to facilitate a "pro rata" distribution of the vaccines among local government units to hasten the inoculation drive.
In a televised address Monday, May 31, the President said Galvez could start the vaccine distribution in Iloilo, Zamboanga, Cagayan, Butuan, Surigao, Leyte, Samar, and other places in the country.
Ensuring a proportional allocation of vaccines in the provinces was proposed by the President after noticing many people in Metro Manila have already been inoculated against the virus.
"I am directing Secretary Galvez to make a distribution parang pro rata (like pro rata)," Duterte said in his remarks.
"Paghati-hatian natin ito tutal most of the... The bulk of the people of the NCR mayroon na ho silang bakuna. Kung magdating ‘yong sunod na marami, eh you divide it amongst the local government units. Sana magawa ito sa madaling panahon (Let's divide the supply among ourselves since the bulk of the people of NCR have received their vaccines. When more vaccines arrive, you divide it amongst the local government units. I hope we can do this as soon as possible)," he said.
The President said the country has no oversupply of vaccines but the doses are "coming in bulk now."
He appealed anew to the public to get vaccinated as soon as possible to enhance their protection against the virus. Public health standards must also be observed as the country continued to battle the pandemic, he said.
"We urge all of you to get vaccinated with the vaccines available to us right now, because we want you, your families and your communities to be safe from the virus," he said.
At present, the country has received more than 8.3 million doses of coronavirus vaccines from various suppliers abroad. More vaccines are expected to arrive in June.
Around 5.1 million doses of the COVID-19 shots have been administered so far, prioritizing health workers, seniors, and those with comorbidity. Over a million persons have already been fully vaccinated.
The vaccination of the country's essential workers is expected to begin in June.
READ: PH accelerates vaccination program as administered jabs breach 5-M mark
The government is pinning its hopes on the vaccination drive to slow down the COVID transmission, fully reopen the economy, and hasten the country's recovery after the debilitating impact of the pandemic since 2020.
The government recently announced its goal to inoculate 9.7 million people in National Capital Region to reach "population protection" by November 2021.
It earlier targeted the vaccination of 58 to 70 million Filipinos before the end of the year to achieve herd immunity. Such goal has been revised given the country's limited vaccine supply and the threats of new coronavirus variants.