The Provincial History, Arts, Culture, and Tourism Office (PHACTO) and the Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Bulacan have launched the COVID-19 immunization drive for tourism workers, filmmakers, historians, researchers, and arts and culture groups, according to Governor Daniel Fernando.

Fernando said 500 tourism workers were vaccinated at Hiyas ng Bulacan Pavilion Convention Center in the City of Malolos.

Another 500 tourism workers are scheduled to be inoculated this month.

The Bulacan governor reminded the newly vaccinated tourism workers to continue following health protocols to avoid contracting COVID-19.

“We need to protect ourselves and our family, we need to make sure that everybody is safe. Let us continue to wear face masks, face shields, (observe) social distancing, and always bring alcohol,” he said.

Dr. Eliseo Dela Cruz, PHACTO head, said that Bulacan is the first province in the country that responded to the call of the national government and the Department of Tourism to vaccinate tourism frontliners.

On Wednesday, Oct. 13, Fernando urged the Bulakenyos to promote the vaccination program of the government during the immunization of around 300 individuals in Barangay Tigpalas, San Miguel, Bulacan.

Asked why Bulacan is still under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) despite the gradual decline in the number of COVID-19 cases since Sept. 28, the governor said he has not yet requested the national IATF for a lower quarantine status because the province is still battling the dreaded disease.

"Naninigurado lang po ako sa ating kaligtasan. Kapag ang ating aktibong kaso ng COVID-19 ay 400 o kahit 500 na lang ay ‘yan na ang panahon na ibababa natin ang ating quarantine status ng lalawigan, (I just want to make sure that were are safe. If our active COVID-19 cases are at 400 or 500, that's the time we will lower the quarantine status in the province)," he said.