Former Vice President and senatorial aspirant Jejomar Binay on Wednesday, March 23, gave his full support to the national government's efforts to expand its Covid-19 vaccination program to far-flung areas and provinces, especially those with low vaccination rate.

Binay said that the move will definitely help the country's economy and its people recover from the adverse economic effects of Covid-19.

While the government would still need to provide aid to sectors and small Filipino entrepreneurs, he said the public should do its part by having themselves vaccinated and by observing health protocols.

“We need to work together to hasten our recovery from the pandemic. On the part of government, it should continue to provide assistance to sectors which are still struggling from the economic impact of the pandemic,” Binay said.

“On the part of the public, we should do our share by having ourselves vaccinated and getting booster shots. Kapag marami ang bakunado, mas may dagdag na proteksyon tayo. Mas ligtas na lumabas ng mga bahay at magtrabaho (If more people are vaccinated, their protection against the virus will increase, hence, it would be safer for them to get out of their homes and work),” he added.

According to health officials, they will now shift the government’s vaccination efforts to small localities outside Metro Manila. They added that some 65 million individuals have already been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as of March 15 or five million short of the government’s target of 70 million.

Among the areas with relatively lower vaccination rates are Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan (MiMaRoPa), Bicol, Central Visayas, Lanao Del Sur, and Socksargen.

The World Health Organization (WHO) had earlier warned that Covid-19 cases are on the rise around the world.

The agency added that the transmissible Omicron variant is still spreading, with its sub-lineage BA.2 the most prevalent in samples. Some countries have also relaxed their health protocols such as the mandatory wearing of face masks.

Binay said the public should not let its guard down despite the drop in Covid-19 cases.

“Aside from the prevalence of the more contagious variant, another factor that has led to an increase in infections in other countries is the premature relaxation of health protocols. Huwag nating hayaan na mangyari uli ito sa atin (Let's not allow the same thing to happen to us),” Binay said.

The former VP urged the public to get vaccinated, boosted, and follow the public health and safety protocols mandated by the government against Covid-19.