NCR mayors to assist private sector in vax rollout

MANILA, Apr 29 (Mabuhay) — An official of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the mayors in the National Capital Region (NCR) are ready to help the private sector in its vaccine rollout.

During President Rodrigo Duterte’s “Talk to the People” Wednesday evening, MMDA Chairman Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said the mayors have met with representatives of some of the country’s largest companies in preparation for the arrival of more vaccines.

“McDonald’s, Jollibee, Ayala Land, lahat ng malalaking korporasyon — tutulong po sila para po paghandaan po natin ‘yong pagdating ng bakuna (all major corporations — they will help prepare for the arrival of vaccines),” Abalos said.

He said the country is expecting to receive around 10 to 15 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines every month from June to August.

“Itong Abril is about 100,000 — 150,000, tapos comparing it to 10 million. So, iba ho talaga ang kailangang paghandaan (This April there is about 100,000 to 150,000 compared to 10 million. So, what we’re preparing for is very different),” Abalos said.

Meanwhile, he said NCR mayors have agreed to the extension of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

He said the infection has gone down and is not expected to increase as the enforcement of minimum health protocols and the borders of NCR Plus — Metro Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Cavite, and Laguna — will remain strict.

“So, sa Kalakhang Maynila more or less maganda po ang takbo. Ang mga alkalde po ay iisa lamang ang boses, ke maliit na lugar kamukha ng Pateros, San Juan o Mandaluyong; o malaking lugar, Maynila o Quezon City, basta magbotohan po, iisa lang po ang galaw po rito (So, in Metro Manila, more or less, things are going well. Our mayors have one voice, doesn’t matter if it’s a small place like Pateros, San Juan, or Mandaluyong; or a big place like Manila or Quezon City; if there’s a vote, there will be a unified action),” Abalos said.

Earlier, Duterte announced the extension of the MECQ in NCR Plus until May 14 based on the recommendation of health experts.

In addition, Santiago City in Quirino province and the province of Abra are also placed under MECQ for the whole month of May. (MNS)

The post NCR mayors to assist private sector in vax rollout appeared first on Philippine Times.