Malacañang is elated that the Philippines has surpassed 100 million coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines administered but reminded the public to continue following health protocols despite the milestone.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles made the statement after the National Vaccination Operations Center (NVOC) reported 100,019,137 total COVID-19 vaccine doses administered since March 2021.

According to the NVOC, over 43 million people have been fully vaccinated, or 55.78 percent of the country's target population.

The NVOC added that 56 million people have been administered with a first dose, 43 million with second doses, and more than a million with their booster or additional doses.

Nograles said the Palace commends the Department of Health, the NVOC, the National Task Force Against COVID-19, the local government units, private and development partners, along with medical frontliners and volunteers for reaching the milestone.

"Job well done. This is indeed a showcase of the true bayanihan spirit. Congratulations to all," he said.

Despite this, the acting Palace spokesman urged the public to continue following minimum public health standards during the Christmas season especially with the threats posed by the Omicron variant.

"This, however, must not lull us into complacency," Nograles said.

"The coronavirus is still around with the looming threat of the Omicron variant. All must comply with the 50-percent indoor and 70-percent outdoor capacity and strictly adhere to minimum public health standards, especially those attending Simbang Gabi," he added.

"Maintain one-meter physical distancing. Avoid crowding. Practice hand hygiene," he continued.

Meanwhile, Nograles said the government will continue ramping up vaccinations.

"We will continue to ramp up our vaccination efforts and call on those unvaccinated to get their jabs as soon as possible to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their community," he said.