The Aboitiz Group, together with a coalition of public-private sector partners under the Taskforce T3 (test, trace, treat), has pledged support to the government’s efforts to initiate the vaccination of the A4 priority sector.

The commitment was formalized on June 7 through a hybrid event held simultaneously at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City and via virtual platform.

Among those who took part in the “Commitment Ceremony & Ceremonial Vaccination for A4” were chief executive officers from the largest private companies and business organizations in the Philippines.

Maribeth Marasigan, Aboitiz Foundation President and Chief Operating Officer, represented Aboitiz Group CEO Sabin Aboitiz in affirming support for the A4 vaccination rollout initiative.

“We commit to educate and encourage our employees with the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19,” stated the pledge.

It added that, “And we commit to continue to work hand in hand with the national government and the local government units until the Philippines succeeds in achieving population protection.”

Those who will be vaccinated under the A4 category include frontline personnel in essential sectors and, according to COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Vince Dizon, all who need to be outside of residence for livelihood reasons including informal sector workers.

“This marks a turning point in our efforts to bring COVID-19 under control. Expanding vaccination coverage to include workers from across all industries is our single most crucial step towards reopening a more inclusive economy,” said Aboitiz.

He added that, “The Aboitiz Group will continue to support our fellow Filipinos in taking full advantage of this long-awaited opportunity to restore their livelihood.” The Aboitiz Group believes close collaboration between the private and public sector is vital in managing the current health crisis.

Its latest efforts include partnering with the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) through the Aboitiz Foundation and its pioneer data school, the Asian Institute of Management-Aboitiz School of Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (AIM-ASITE) in the development of an automated contact tracing system to consolidate and fortify the national contact-tracing database.

“The Aboitiz Group fully embraces its role in nation building and its strong partnership with the government,” said Aboitiz.

He noted that, “We will continue to uphold our responsibility to fill the gaps in resources to help address the great demands of serving our people, especially during a crisis, and rise above the challenges as we drive change for a better world by advancing business and communities.”