Cayetano joins Taguig LGU in launch of 9th Mega Vaccination Hub

TAGUIG CITY – (May 20, 2021) – Former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday, May 19, joined the local government of Taguig in the launch of its 9th Mega Vaccination Hub in the Venice Grand Canal Mall in Taguig City which can accommodate up to 600 persons daily.

In a short speech during the program, Cayetano reminded the audience of the importance of getting ahead of the virus, saying COVID-19 is a “traitor” and an “enemy.”

“It’s very important now that we get ahead of the virus. Traydor, kalaban ang COVID-19 (COVID-19 is a traitor and an enemy),” Cayetano said.

“Every time you think na na-control mo na o may sistema ka na, mayroon siyang panlaban,” he added.

(Every time you think you have controlled it or built a system for it, it comes back with something new.)

In the same speech, Cayetano urged the national government to take a look at how neighboring countries are handling the pandemic, suggesting focus on two components: first, on the vaccination of the public, and second, on the economic recovery plan.

He said the economic recovery plan should have a one-two-three punch: first, a direct stimulus in the form of the 10K Ayuda Bill; second, assistance to small businesses; and lastly, focus on health and education.

Cayetano also highlighted the major healthcare initiatives of Taguig City, including the PhilHealth accreditation of its 31 health centers, the establishment of three super health centers, the construction of 13 community centers with clinics, the improvement of school clinics, the construction of a new hospital, and the renovation of its old hospital.

“So, we have at the least the minimum na kailangan para nung nagkapandemic, ganito tayo,” he said.

(So we had at least the minimum requirements to handle the pandemic.)

Meanwhile, Cayetano expressed hope in the establishment of more barangay health centers in the Philippines that would cater to the health and medical needs of the people.

“Let’s learn our lesson in the next few years. Dapat within three to five years, wala nang barangay sa Pilipinas na walang barangay health center,” he said.

(Hopefully, within three to five years, no barangay will be left with no barangay health center.)

Cayetano was joined in the launch by Taguig 2nd District Rep. Maria Laarni “Lani” Cayetano, Mayor Lino Cayetano, Vice Mayor Ricardo “Ading” Cruz, and around 200 vaccine beneficiaries.

Also present were Megaworld Chief Operating Officer Lourdes T. Gutierrez-Alfonso, Venice Grand Canal Mall Head Bryan Chester Selisana, Mall Head, Vice President for Marketing and Business Development Tefel Valentino, McKinley Peripherals General Mall Head Ann Ruth Palijo, Operations 1 Group Head Michael Lao, Human Resources Head and Corporate Administrator Rafael Perez, and Head of Lifestyle and Entertainment Group Brix Valdenarro.

According to the local government of Taguig, a total of 54,287 individuals have been vaccinated in Taguig City as of May 18, 2021.

The city was also recently cited by the World Health Organization for efficient vaccination of about 4,000 persons daily. It aims to increase its target daily vaccination by over 5,000 persons every day starting next week.###