LEGAZPI CITY – Children International (CI) Bicol has organized its resources in support of the government’s drive to inoculate five million Filipinos in a massive nationwide vaccination drive, November 29 to December 2.
Some 57 volunteer staff from five community centers of CI Bicol pitched in as encoders and post vaccination team members during the National Vaccination Drive.
The volunteers were deployed to various vaccination areas in Legazpi City, Malilipot, and Tabaco City.
Aside from pooling together volunteers, the Agency also allowed the use of its Community Center 2 in Sta. Teresa, Malilipot, as a vaccination site for residents of Malilipot and nearby barangays, December 2.
A CI medical doctor was also part of the augmentation provided by the Agency  to the municipality, from November 30 to December 1, which provided screening.
Some 500 residents were vaccinated during the Malilipot jab drive. This included some 180 minors aged 12-17 years old.
The Agency also distributed hand soaps from its partner NGO Clean the World, to vaccination participants. This was done to promote the practice of minimum health standards, which includes frequent hand washing.
“Opening our CI spaces and providing support to the LGUs is our contribution to put an end to this pandemic,” said CI Health Services Lead Maria Kristine Candano.
“This is also our way of living the mission and values of CI.”
Filling the gaps
Prior to the national vaccination drive, the Agency started an initiative that helps vaccinated individuals who have no means to acquire their vaccination certificates.
This is part of the demand generation program of CI Bicol Health Services. It currently serves residents of Tabaco City. Â Some 223 individuals were able to benefit from the service so far.
Result of partnership
The voluntarism and other vaccination initiatives were made possible through the Agency’s partnership with the Department of Health Regional Office V and participating Local Government Units.
“This is our expression of support and solidarity with the government in the fight against COVID-19. We recognize that they cannot do this alone, and so by sharing our resources, time and expertise in initiatives like this vaccination campaign, we help government reach more people and get them vaccinated. As they say, no one is safe until everyone is safe,”  CI Bicol’ Agency Director Karl Henessy Rafa said.
The massive national vaccination drive was part of the government’s efforts to achieve population protection by year’s end, according to the Philippine News Agency. – Leo Martin Ganace
Source: Children International Bicol/DOH Bicol
