Lacuna vows to improve booster vaccination drive

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna yesterday vowed to improve the inoculation efforts in the city as part of the national government’s booster vaccination drive.

Lacuna made the statement during the “PinasLakas” booster campaign held at SM City Manila and attended by President Marcos.

Marcos, who recently recovered from a second COVID bout, received his second booster shot during the event together with his son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos.

Lacuna, a physician, administered the booster jab to Sandro.

Lacuna said four malls, six hospitals and 66 health centers are offering COVID-19 vaccinations in Manila. She ordered the city vaccinators to go to the barangays and knock on residents’ houses to give life-saving jabs.

Data showed that at least 86.7 percent of the city’s senior citizens have received full vaccine doses, while 50 percent of the target population received first booster shots.

“This is proof of our continuing efforts to vaccinate many of our constituents,” Lacuna said.

The mayor told Marcos that he is always welcome in Manila, where Malacañang, the country’s seat of power, is located.

“You are welcome here in the city of Manila, your official residence for the next six years,” Lacuna said in Filipino.

She said Manila would continue its open policy for COVID vaccination, which means even non-residents can get inoculated in the city.