The maritime partylist group Angkla on Wednesday, Nov. 3 urged President Rodrigo Duterte to reserve universally-accepted vaccine brands to overseas Filipino workers for them to avoid encountering any vaccination issue in the countries where they will be deployed.
Former Rep. Jesulito Manalo, Angkla’s first nominee, said various countries where OFWs are assigned impose brands of vaccines they prefer for both foreigners and their own citizens.
“Now that supply is not an issue anymore, we can prioritize based on need and on how each and every vaccine will be utilized for our economic recovery,” said Manalo.
The former lawmaker added: “We know how big the contribution of OFWs and seafarers to our economy is and as such, we ask President Duterte to ensure that they will get universally-recognized vaccines so they can immediately start supporting us in our road to recovery.”
On the other hand, Capt. Ronald Enrile, Angkla vice chairman, disclosed that among the universally-accepted vaccines are Pfizer, Janssen and Moderna.
The Philippines now has an ample supply of said vaccines, many of which were donations coming from the United States and Japan.
Enrile said said being inoculated with said vaccines is crucial for the immediate deployment of seafarers.
It will be recalled that agencies in charge with the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination program have warned citizens against making personal preferences for vaccines.
The Department of Health has assured Filipinos that all vaccines being procured or received as donations by the Philippines are effective in preventing or diminishing the adverse effects of COVID 19 pandemic.
However, many countries have already forewarned travelers entering their territory about their vaccine preferences and that those unable to heed the advice are denied entry.
“We have to understand that our seamen are deployed not just in one country. Our Filipino seafarers hop from one country’s territory to another. Having them vaccinated is not just about protecting their health but also protecting their livelihood, said Enrile.
“We do not want companies to hesitate in deploying our seamen, considered the best in the world, just because their vaccines are not recognized by some host countries,” he explained.
Manalo, who also sits as the chairman of Angkla, said that as many seafarers are awaiting deployment, allotting vaccines for them that are recognized by all countries, will also address the dwindling vaccine rate in the country.
“We’ve seen the data, as well as OCTA Research’s findings that point at vaccine hesitancy as among the reasons for the country’s slowed down vaccine drive. We want the government to know that there is low or even zero vaccine hesitancy among seamen. They want to be deployed and they understand that being fully protected is a requirement in their job,” Manalo added.