By Martin Sadongdong

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. has praised the local government unit of Quezon City (QC) for its multi-sectoral approach in fast-tracking the national government's immunization program against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a statement Monday night, June 21, Galvez said QC Mayor Joy Belmonte led the launching of a multi-secotral initiative that is expected to increase public uptake on the National Vaccine Program and speed up the inoculation of the city's residents.

The pioneering effort was formalized through a Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the QC government, Diocese of Novaliches, Far Eastern University - Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation (FEU-NRMF), and UNILAB.

Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. (middle) graces the launching of a multi-sectoral approach in increasing public uptake on COVID-19 vaccination in Quezon City with Mayor Joy Belmonte (second from left) on June 21, 2021. (Photo courtesy of National Task Force Against COVID-19)

"The greater synergy that we are witnessing now among stakeholders in Quezon City is not just a demonstration of the Filipino people’s Bayanihan spirit, but also a desire to find more effective and innovative ways to address the challenges caused by COVID-19 pandemic," said Galvez.

Under the Memorandum of Cooperation, the Diocese of Novaliches has allowed its parishes to be used as vaccination sites as it committed to actively participate in the city government's information and education campaign to promote the benefits of getting the jab.

According to Rev. Fr. Antonio Labiao Jr., Vicar General for Pastoral Affairs of the Diocese of Novaliches, the Diocese has opened its three parishes — the Cathedral Shrine of the Good Shepherd Parish, San Bartolome Parish, and Pagkabuhay Parish —as vaccination sites for parishioners, residents and nearby communities.

Labiao said that around 4,000 individuals from priority groups A1 (healthcare workers), A2 (senior citizens), A3 (persons with comorbidities), and A4 (economic frontliners) have been vaccinated in their parishes since the vacination sites opened last April 15.

Meanwhile, FEU-NRMF Chief Operating Officer Juan Enrique Reyes said they have been a partner of the Quezon City government in its vaccine roll out by providing manpower and storage facilities, and referral hospitals for vaccinated individuals who experience adverse effects following immunization (AEFI).

For his part, Unilab's Vice President for Vaccine Initiative Manuel Montinola said the company has helped in the establishment of vaccination sites in different parishes across the city by providing supplies, logistics services, and other resources to medical professionals and volunteers.

Most Rev. Bishop Roberto Gaa expressed optimism that the multi-sectoral approach "can push forward the vaccination program" not only in the city but throughout the country.