MARAWI CITY — A total of of 3,679 Lanao del Sur residents were vaccinated against Coronavirus disease on Monday, May 16, as the Ministry of Health (MOH) kicked off the five-day Special Vaccination Days (SVD) in the province.
“Everybody is dreaming of going back to normal life, the conduct of SVD now is a privilege to help us meet such dream. Hopefully, everyone will support these endeavors because this is, first, for our own personal benefit, and for the protection of our family and the community as a whole,” MOH Director General Dr. Ameril Usman stressed.
The SVD in Lanao del Sur is being conducted in collaboration with the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), Marawi City Health Office, Local Government Units (LGUs), and key stakeholders.
The Mindanao State University (MSU) System is also supporting the activity. MSU’s Executive Vice President-Dr. Rasid Paca, Dean Dr. Abdulcader Ayo, and Public Administration Senior Lecturer Datumanong Salangani received their vaccines during Monday’s kick-off ceremony.
“Our academe is fully supportive for this special program of MOH on vaccination because although it is not mandatory, our school will open soon for a face-to-face class and it requires all students to be vaccinated,” said MSU System President Atty. Basari Mapupuno in a statement.
An initial 63,150 individuals are targeted for the SVD for both LDS and Marawi City. Currently, the entire province is low in terms of vaccination rate.
According to LDS Provincial Health Officer Dr. Alinader Minalang, the province has recorded number of deaths due to COVID-19. “Let us avoid the same surge of mortality by protecting ourselves, our families, our relatives and friends from being vaccinated,” he said.
Dr. Minalang further emphasized that nothing is to worry about the vaccine because” globally, more than four billion people have been inoculated and 98-percent of vaccines works; it is effective, safe, halal, and it is free.”
Moreover, Marawi City Health Officer Dr. Ali Dalidig underscored: “Let us not be afraid of vaccine because [in my case] my mother is 74 years old and she was vaccinated three times. Our health personnel, leaders and head of many states will not undergo vaccination if it is not effective or safe.” (Kasan M. Usop, Jr./BIO)
