Philippine Heart Center, Quezon City
June 21, 2023

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. acknowledged all the Philippines’ partners and stakeholders who played a significant part in the fight against the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, when he joined the Department of Health (DOH) in launching the bivalent COVID-19 vaccines held at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City.

The Chief Executive conveyed the country’s appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Lithuania for donating 390,000 doses of said vaccines, which provide protection against the original strain of the virus and Omicron subvariants. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the World Health Organization (WHO) and COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) for their continued assistance to the country during and after the pandemic.

Above all, he honored the vaccine manufacturers, scientists, healthcare workers and all those whose sacrifices led the world to a state of normalcy.

“Let this occasion serve as a call to every Filipino to continue doing your part and get updated on your COVID-19 vaccination to prevent a resurgence, as a means of honoring those who sacrificed their lives during the pandemic,” he appealed, especially to those who have yet to receive their primary series of COVID-19 jabs, emphasizing that Government-administered vaccines, including the bivalent doses, are free for every Filipino.

Under the leadership of newly appointed DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, the President called on the Department to continue fortifying its efforts to protect the Filipino people against all health risks. He thanked local government officials, employees, health workers and other national government agencies for their tireless efforts in the country’s vaccination campaign.

“I urge all of us to remain relentless in our fight against COVID-19 and all other infectious diseases that threaten the country,” President Marcos Jr. remarked.

“As long as we exhibit discipline, observe cleanliness and practice cooperation, we will overcome the residual challenges that still are posed by COVID-19 and emerge stronger than ever as members of a healthy, resilient and productive Philippine society,” he ended in his message.

According to DOH guidelines, healthcare workers and senior citizens who received their second booster shots at least 4 to 6 months ago are eligible for the first phase of the bivalent vaccine rollout.

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