Palace welcomes steady decline of vaccine hesitancy among Pinoys


Malacañang is encouraged by the recent survey that showed that only eight percent of adult Filipinos remain hesitant to get vaccinated against the coronavirus (COVID-19).

(File photo by Ali Vicoy/Manila Bulletin)

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nogrlaes made the statement after the recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed the decline in vaccine hesitancy and skepticism among Filipinos.

The survey, conducted from December 12 to 16, 2021, showed that only eight percent of Filipinos continue to refuse to get vaccinated. This is lower compared to the 18 percent in September 2021, 21 percent in June, and 33 percent in May last year.

In his press briefing on Friday., January 21, Nograles welcomed the result of the recent SWS survey.

"We are encouraged by the recent survey that shows a steady decline in vaccine hesitancy and skepticism among our people," he said.

The acting Palace spokesman attributed the decline to the increasing vaccination rate in the country.

"Senyales ito ng matagumpay nating pagtutulungan, tayong lahat (This is a sign of our successful collaboration)," he said.

"Malaking bagay din po ang pagkalat ng tamang impormasyon ukol dito kaya nagpapasalamat po tayo sa ating mga kaibigan sa (The spread of correct information about the vaccine is also helpful that's why we are thankful to our friends in the) media for helping us put the word out," he added.

Meanwhile, Nograles urged the public to try to convince any unvaccinated person that they know to get the shot.

"Kung may kakilala po kayo na ayaw magpabakuna, kausapin po ninyo (If you know someone who don't want to get vaccinated, talk to them)," he said.

"You could end up saving that person's life. Samahan po ninyo ang inyong pamahalaan sa pagligtas ng buhay (Join the government in saving lives)," he added.

As of January 20, a total of 122,313,496 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered with 56,835,020 people being fully vaccinated.