Rama participated in the activity to urge the public to get their free Covid-19 booster shots and increase their immunity against Covid-19.
The event was held simultaneously in the Visayas and Mindanao areas, such as Bohol, Negros Oriental, Zamboanga City, Davao City and Siquijor, among others, in partnership with local government units from Sept. 26 to Oct. 1.
In Cebu City, Bakunahang Bayan was held at the DepEd Ecotech Center in Barangay Lahug.
Aside from Rama, more than 100 people also received their Covid-19 boosters on the same day.
To encourage teachers and schoolchildren to get vaccinated, Rama said he plans to organize a raffle program called “Pabakuna Extravaganza Balik Eskwela.”
The raffle will be open to students, teachers and their families. It will offer prices like a brand new car, TV and laptop, among others.
Department of Health (DOH) officials said they launched the activity as part of their campaign to reach a 90-percent vaccination rate against Covid-19, particularly among senior citizens, and increase the administration of booster doses to at least 50 percent in the region.
In his speech, Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia commended the efforts of frontliners and healthcare personnel for their continuing fight against against Covid.
“Here we are about two years after slowly picking up the pieces and finding ourselves returning towards normalcy. It would appear that we are starting to win the fight against Covid-19,” Garcia said.
Garcia also stressed the importance of vaccination in terms of giving protection and reducing the chances of spreading the virus to others.
Dr. Maria Francia Laxamana, DOH undersecretary for special concerns, stated that some people are afraid of getting booster shots because of adverse side effects that typically disappear in a matter of days, such as fever, among others.
Laxamana also said most people, particularly indigents, refrain from getting booster shots, believing primary doses are enough.
