SM Supermalls has joined the government’s endeavor to inoculate 9 million Filipinos nationwide, starting November 29 until December 1.
Dubbed Bayanihan Bakunahan, the three-day vaccination drive’s ceremonial launch at SM City Masinag was attended by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte; Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., National Task Force against Coronavirus Disease-2019 (NTF COVID-19) chief implementer; Health Secretary Francisco Duque III; Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, chair, Senate Committee on Health and Demography; Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzena; Rizal Governor Rebecca “Nini” Ynares; SM Supermalls President Steven T. Tan; members of the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force; Cabinet Secretaries; and partners from the private and public sectors.
Bayanihan Bakunahan is a collaborative effort of the government, led by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in cooperation with the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19, together with various communities and private organizations.
“This multi-sectoral event is a resounding expression of our Bayanihan spirit, which coincides with the nation’s observance of Bonifacio Day on November 30. The heroic example of Gat Andres Bonifacio’s courage resonates in each of us as we work together to fast-track and intensify our efforts to overcome this pandemic,” said President Duterte in a speech.
Bayanihan Bakunahan was rolled out nationwide to increase the country’s coverage of the first dose to 70% as well as to increase the booster jabs across 16 regions outside Metro Manila. The second wave of the vaccination drive has been slated for December 15 to 17.
The government is expecting to vaccinate 54M Filipinos by the end of the year including 80% of minors aged 12 to 17 years old. President Duterte also said that the government seeks to complete booster shots of fully-vaccinated seniors, health workers and people with comorbidities by the end of 2021. As of November, over 35 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated.
The government has assured that there will be enough supply for the three-day vaccination drive.
Under the collaboration, SM Supermalls, along with over 8,000 vaccination sites, will be opened to accommodate the target population.
Apart from opening 66 mall vaccination sites, SM Supermalls also announced the participation of the National University in this endeavor. Over 500 alumni, employees, and students from the said university have registered to volunteer during the Bayanihan Bakunahan.
During the three-day Bayanihan Bakunahan event, Filipinos can walk in and register at the identified sites. Adults are required to bring a government-issued ID and a medical certificate for those who have comorbidities. Pregnant and lactating mothers are also encouraged to get immunization shots.
For kids aged 12 to 17 years old, the parent/guardian should secure the following: any valid ID of the parent/guardian as well as a birth certificate, baptismal, or passport of the child. For children with health risks, parents/guardians are advised to get a medical certificate from their child’s attending pediatrician or physician. An authorization letter signed by parents indicating the name of the assigned guardian with a valid ID will be needed should both parents are unable to accompany their child.
For those who have been vaccinated, booster shots will only be administered to those who had their 2nd dose for at least 6 months. Individuals who will avail of the booster shot should present a copy of their vaccination card.
For more information and up-to-date news on vaccination schedules at the SM malls in your LGU, follow @smsupermalls on all social media platforms.
