Andanar hopes to be among first to get COVID-19 vaccine
By Susan G. De Leon / Communication Secretary Martin Andanar (File Photo)
CALOOCAN CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA) — Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar has expressed his readiness to be among the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
In a report by the Philippine News Agency, Andanar said he is “willing” to take the first jabs to encourage Filipinos to avail of the free COVID-19 vaccine once the government starts its mass immunization drive.
“Willing din ako sumama doon sa una, dahil para naman kada labas natin, nangangampanya tayo para sa bakuna ay mayroon tayong maitatawag na walking the talk, ‘di ba? So, ako, no problem,” he said.
Together with other PCOO officials, Andanar said they may be among the first to get the COVID-19 vaccine to prove its efficacy and safety.
“Ganoon din ang ating mga kasamahan sa PCOO, mga Undersecretary, siguro kailangan din nilang magpabakuna kaagad para makita ng ating mga kababayan, as communicators na iyong mga nagsasalita, iyong mga ambassador ika nga, iyong mga nagpo-promote ika nga ay sila ay nagbabakuna rin,” he said.
Explain, Explain, Explain
Andanar said the government aims to boost the public’s confidence in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine realized through PCOO’s “Explain, Explain, Explain” information campaign, powered by its attached office–the Philippine Information Agency.
While he acknowledged that it is a “big challenge” to convince all Filipinos to join the government’s mass vaccination drive, Andanar said the PCOO would do its best to equip the public with the right information about the vaccines.
“Sapagkat ayon kay Presidente ay kailangan talagang mabakunahan ang ating mga kababayan para tayo ay magkaroon ng isang lipunan na puwede nang ulit mangarap, puwedeng makipag-compete sa ibang ekonomiya,” he said.
The PCOO, and PIA launched the government’s “Explain, Explain, Explain” information campaign in Mandaue City, Cebu on January 19.
In his keynote speech during the launch of the information drive, Andanar said the PCOO and the PIA would continue to “disseminate and reiterate the need to observe health protocols and precautionary measures, to dispel false information, and to advocate for preparedness and vigilance and harnessing solidarity through participatory governance.” (PIA NCR)
