Malacañang remained confident that the Philippines will have a better Christmas this year despite the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as vaccinations against the dreaded disease picked up.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after the Philippines marked its 10 millionth vaccination early this week.
In his press briefing on Thursday, July 1, Roque said there was still hope that Filipinos can celebrate the holiday season this 2021 in a better manner compared to last year.
"Confident pa rin po tayo (We are still confident) for a better Christmas. We have exceeded the 10-millionth mark for vaccination," he said.
"We're confident that with more supplies of the vaccines coming in, mas maraming mabibigyan ng proteksyon (many more can be protected against COVID-19). We can move towards containment and a better Christmas this year," he added.
Containment refers to vaccinating 45 to 50 percent of the country's population.
Meanwhile, Roque cited the other achievements of the country that may pave the way to a better Christmas, like managing the number of COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila and other areas.
He said there may be more areas under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) but explained that population-wise, these were not as great as when the numbers were at their peak.
As of June 27, a total of 17,455,470 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in the country of which 10,065,414 have been administered.
Recent government data likewise showed that a total of 2,527,286 individuals have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
According to the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19, the total doses administered in the 17th week of the national vaccination reached a record high of 1,658,072 doses.
This week, President Duterte reminded local government units (LGUs) to prepare their cold storage facilities while waiting for the arrival of the additional COVID-19 vaccine supply, assuring them that the national government will be utilizing all available assets to distribute the jabs to all corners of the country.
The President pointed out that having cold storage facilities was important to avoid the spoilage of vaccines.
"You must have the refrigeration. Or if you do not have one, tell us in advance so that hindi kami magkamali magdala tapos (so that we won't bring vaccines to your area when) you do not have the equipment to keep the temperature desired for vaccines," Duterte said.
"It will go to waste ‘pag magpadala kami doon wala kayong (if we send vaccines but you don't have) refrigeration or something akin to it that would ensure the integrity of the vaccine," he added.