) – December 17, 2020 – 12:00am
CEBU, Philippines — Unlike other local government units (LGUs) that have expressed their intent to purchase COVID-19 vaccines, the Cebu provincial government is keen on waiting for the move and policy of the national government.
“At this point, I would rather adopt a wait and see attitude,” said Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in yesterday’s press conference at the Capitol.
Garcia said it is imperative how these vaccines are being administered by foreign countries and how the Philippine government will secure these vaccines.
“So lisod kaayo, if mo express ta moapil ba dayon kay we do not know kun what the national government policy is, wether or not it might be providing the LGUs themselves or through the Department of Health,” she said.
The governor said she does not see the urgency for the Capitol to acquire the vaccines considering the decreasing number of COVID-19 cases in the province.
“By the way that the COVID-19 cases have been steadily dropping and now we have been able to manage COVID-19 in the Province of Cebu. Procuring the vaccine, I believe is not the most urgent nature so much so that we make decisions without first conforming with the national policy. We are all willing to wait,” she said.
Earlier, Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella promised to buy vaccines once they are available.
The mayor said his office wants to allocate P500 million for this purpose. —KQD (FREEMAN)