Cong. Bingo Matugas stressed the need to expedite the immunization roll out for resort operators and business people in Siargao during the consultative meeting on COVID-19 vaccination last April 17.
In his opening statement, Cong. Matugas explained the significant relationship between accelerated procurement of vaccines and economic recovery.
According to the versatile House solon, giant think tanks prefer Moderna, which is the number one brand in the world.
“Pres. Duterte has allowed private enterprise and conglomerates to have free rein in the purchase of the vaccines. That is why we need to get our acts together,” said Cong. Matugas.
While the business sector has not been included in the priority list, Cong. Matugas said that ‘the enlistment of teachers and social workers is a welcome development.’
Moreover, Cong. Matugas said that in light of the surge of new variants in the National Capital Region bubble plus areas, tourism in the Island has suffered a great deal.
Over the past couple of weeks, the airline industry has faced about 80% of backlash, citing the cancellation of bookings, added Cong. Matugas.
As such, resorts and hotels duly accredited by the Department of Tourism, also grappled with cancelled reservations, added Cong. Matugas.
Meanwhile, Cong. Matugas said that the provincial government is now preparing for the ground-breaking of the Siargao Island Medical Center.
“The Siargao District Hospital is now in a transition period. Soon, we will be turning over the facilities to the national government, through the Department of Health,” said Cong. Matugas.
With the conversion of the island’s medical facility, Cong. Matugas revealed that it’s budgetary allocation will increase from 39 million to 600 million in pesos.
In addition, manpower complement will also be augmented from 89 to 250.
“It is imperative that the hospital will pave way for a COVID isolation ward,” said Cong. Matugas.
(RPN DXKS Surigao)
