Balabagan starts COVID-19 vaccine rollout, inoculation of priority groups

 Mayor Edna V. Ogka Benito of Balabagan, Lanao del Sur receives her first dose of Sinovac vaccine during the province-wide vaccination program of the Lanao del Sur Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) on Friday, June 18, 2021 at the Centrale vaccination hub, Balabagan Civic Square. Dr. Alinader Minalang (inset), IPHO head, gives the vaccine dose.

BALABAGAN, Lanao del Sur – Priority groups here received Friday, June 18, their first dose of Sinovac vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at the Centrale vaccination hub, Balabagan Civic Square.

Under the leadership of Mayor Edna V. Ogka-Benito, a total of 592 eligible residents were inoculated. The activity was carried out by Lanao del Sur Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) headed by Dr. Alinader Minalang. 

The mayor extended her gratitude to all officials in 27 barangays for their prompt response to the vaccination program.

 “I am grateful for your quick response in informing your constituents about the vaccination program. Indeed, it is necessary to get inoculated to keep ourselves and others safe from the infectious COVID-19. This the only way to withstand the current health crisis. May we be able to continue this success in our communities,” she said.

Balabagan was listed third on the list of top performing municipalities with the most vaccinated individuals. Wao topped the list with 2,651 vaccinated individuals per day; Malabang followed with 1,337; Balabagan (592); Saguiaran (576); and Poona-Bayabao (529).

Meanwhile, IPHO Head Dr. Minalang said 25,192 individuals from A1, A2, and A3 groups have been vaccinated as of Sunday, June 20. However, he noted that the number only constitutes two percent of the population excluding Marawi City. 

He added that there is a need to increase the number of vaccinated individuals to achieve herd immunity.

“This ranking or trend will definitely change as we continue with the municipal roll-out in the coming days and weeks. We are racing with each other to achieve herd immunity in the soonest possible time in order to protect our families and love ones. Let’s get vaccinated for you and for your family members,” he said. (Anne B. Acosta)