The Filipino nation got another congratulatory remark from Malacañang following a feat in the government's vaccination drive against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque announced Tuesday that around 12 million doses of coronavirus vaccines have been administered, which he welcomed as good news in the battle against the pandemic.

"Ayon sa DOH (Department of Health), as of today, ito ay mabuting balita narating na natin ang 12 million mark of doses administered (According to the DOH, as of today, this is good news that we reached the 12 million mark of doses administered). Congratulations Philippines," Roque said during a televised press briefing Tuesday, July 6.

Despite the latest accomplishment, Roque encouraged anew the public to get vaccinated and continue to observe health regulations to stem the virus spread.

Roque stressed that vaccination was crucial to boost protection especially with the discovery of another virus strain first detected in Peru. The Lambda variant, reportedly more infectious than the Delta variant, has spread to over 20 countries. The World Health Organization however stated that such variant remained a variant of interest.

"Tara na po magpabakuna at magkaroon ng dagdag na protection ito ay sa gitna na report na may panibagong variant ang Lambda variant unang na-detect sa Peru na kumakalat ngayon (Let's get vaccinated and get additional protection amid reports there is a new variant, the Lambda variant first detected in Peru that is now spreading)," Roque said.

Roque assured the public that health experts continue to monitor the situation while the government would keep strict border controls to prevent the virus spread.

The Philippines has already received around 17.4 million doses of coronavirus vaccines, allowing the government to expand the vaccination to essential workers last month. Health workers, senior citizens, and people with comorbidity have been given initial priority in the vaccination drive since March.

So far, around 2.8 million people have been fully vaccinated in the country. The government originally aimed to vaccinate up to 70 million people to attain herd immunity before the end of the year. But due to the tight world supply of vaccines, the vaccination goal has been lowered to attain population protection, or around 50 percent of the population, of Metro Manila and other high-risk areas by yearend.

Back in June 2020, Roque made the controversial "Congratulations, Philippines" statement after the country beat a group of experts' forecast that the country would reach 40,000 by the end of the month. At the time, the country logged 36,438 COVID cases on June 30, 2020.

"Panalo na tayo (We won). We beat the UP prediction. Congratulations, Philippines! Let's do it again in July," Roque said, throwing his fist in the air.

As of July 6, the country has recorded over 1.44 million cases, including 51,594 active cases and 25,192 deaths.