PCOO Global Media and Public Affairs

The Philippines has now reached the 12th million mark in terms of the number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered, Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque announced today, July 6, 2021, in a press briefing held in Pampanga.

"Ang Presidente naman po of course is very appreciative of the efforts of everyone – the IATF and the local government units (LGUs) that made it possible na 12 million doses na po ang na-administer natin," said Secretary Roque.

The pace in which vaccination is being done by LGUs was also commended by National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF) Deputy Chief Implementer Secretary Vivencio Dizon, who said that almost two million vaccines administered was achieved in just a week's time since the 10th million mark in vaccine doses administered was reached.

Dizon added that this proves that the LGUs can administer vaccines fast as long as there is supply, and that the national government's vaccination program is continuous and is in full swing.

Secretary Roque also assured everyone that the vaccination program will continue despite the delay in the arrival of vaccines. "Patuloy po ang ating pagbabakuna, patuloy po ang mga ginagawang hakbang ni Secretary Galvez at ng NTF para ma-ensure ang mas maraming supply," said Sec. Roque.

Also in the same press briefing, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III addressed the news on the emergence of the Lambda variant of interest, assuring the public that based on the submission of the Philippine Genome Center from the 7,000 samples sequenced, there has been no C.37 or Lambda variant that has been detected yet.

As of now, Sec. Duque said that there is no sufficient data to support the theory that the new Lambda variant is more virulent or transmissible. He said that it is better to wait for more information and data, as the IATF's technical working group on COVID-19 variants is already studying the characterization of the new variant.

In light of the new variants, Roque reminded the public once again to be vigilant. "Huwag tayong magpakampante. Ituloy natin ang pagbabantay. Mask, hugas, iwas at bakuna pa rin," reminded Roque. The spokesperson added that the threat of the new variants is the reason why the President had to insist on common arrival protocols.

Secretary Roque was in Pampanga earlier today, together with Sec. Duque and Sec. Dizon, to witness the ceremonial vaccination of A4 workers in Region III.

Francisco Sauceda, President of Luen Thai International Group Phils., Inc., said that the being chosen as the location for the ceremonial vaccination of A4 workers in the region is an honor for their company. Sauceda added that the vaccination of the company's workers can help move their business forward toward the further opening up of the country.

Meanwhile, on the current low risk classification of the Province of Pampanga, Governor Dennis Pineda acknowledged that the province would not have achieved the low risk classification without the full cooperation of all Kapampangans in adhering to protocols, especially with regard to lockdowns.

Also present in the ceremonial vaccination were Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo, Atty Edgardo Pamintuan, Chairperson of the Clark Development Corporation, and PBGen. Manuel Gaerlan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Clark Development Corporation.

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