DILG orders local government units to organize local vaccination plans
MANILA – The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) today issued a memorandum which directs local government units to formulate their vaccination plan which contains risk communication plans including the conduct of early Vaccine Communication Campaign to impart important details of the government’s COVID-19 vaccination.
The LGUs have been instructed to coordinate with their own DOH – Centers for Health Development Plan.
The plan should include a master list of priority eligible qualified vaccine recipients, possible vaccine enters, available cold chain storges and other logistical requirements as well as a master list of existing human resources and personnel needed in the vaccination program.
Undersecretary Malaya said the reorganization of existing Emergency Operation Centers in the LGUs should include a dedicated unit for vaccine concerns, mobilization of barangay personnel and other volunteers to help in the preparation and actual vaccination. It should also include the list of concerned offices and personnel from the rural health units, public information and sanitation offices.
He added the LGUs must adhere to the guidelines from the Department of Health and the National Task Force Against COVID-19 on matters pertaining to the vaccination and should coordinate with the elements of the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection for possible assistance.
During the recent meeting between the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), the DILG, DOH, and Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., all component cities and towns with available funds for vaccine procurement are encouraged to coordinate with their provincial governments.
LGUs requesting for authorization for emergency use for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines need to coordinate with their provincial governments to ensure there is enough vaccine supply for everyone.
Highly-urbanized cities and independent component cities hoping to buy COVID-19 vaccines should directly coordinate with the DOH and the NTF Vaccine Cluster. LGUs have also been advised to procure not more than 50 percent of the requirement due to the current limited supply of vaccines worldwide. (Melo M. Acuña)
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonathan Malaya. (PIA File Photo)