As the year approaches its midway point, the City Government of Balanga remains equipped and thorough in its methods of combatting the pandemic brought by COVID-19. In the past year, woes had arisen throughout the country with regard to how and when vaccinations would begin for the masses. Hearing the concerns and pleas of Balangueños, the City Government of Balanga took a massive leap forward by starting its own vaccination site at Lou-‘is Resort and Restaurant, shortly after the start of vaccinations at the Provincial level.
In the opening ceremonies of the Resbakuna site, Mayor Francis Anthony S. Garcia shared that the City of Balanga has one of the lowest incidents, cases, and hospitalization occurrences among all cities in Region III with regard to COVID-19. Despite the great statistics, Mayor Garcia insisted that as it is the mandate of the National Government to promote herd immunity, it is a ‘must,’ therefore, for Balanga to further ensure the safety of its citizens.
Through the support of the Provincial Government of Bataan, Governor Albert S. Garcia, and Congressman Jose Enrique S. Garcia, the planning and execution of Balanga’s own vaccination site became a success. Key players and essential workers who served a large role as well in the launching of the site were City Vice-Mayor Vianca Lita V. Gozon, Sangguniang Panlungsod Members, the City Health Office, City Peace and Order, and Public Safety Office, Management Information Services Office, City General Services Office, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Barangay Health Workers, over 15 Barangay Learning Hub Facilitators, and with strong community support in this time of pandemic from Lou-‘is Resort and Restaurant and Bataan Space Cable.
As of writing, vaccinations continue for citizens of Balanga as priority shifts to A3 Category (Persons with Comorbidities 18-59 Years Old) after the accomplishment of vaccinations for A1 (Frontline Health Workers) and A2 (Senior Citizens) Categories. The vaccination site also offers those who missed their vaccination schedule another chance as dates for extended rounds and registration are regularly announced at the COB News Network Facebook page.
Being the first local government unit in Bataan to have its own vaccination site, the City Government of Balanga pushes forward in its goal for herd immunity and safety from the virus for every citizen. In conclusion, this feat is only possible thanks to the collective efforts of each Balangueño working hard and facing each day with the hope that we can all one day move on from this crisis as a stronger, healthier, and united community.
For more information on vaccination procedures, registration, and COVID-19 updates, click on the following links:
https://www.facebook.com/CityofBalangaNewsNetwork
https://www.facebook.com/francis.garcia.963
https://www.facebook.com/1Bataan
https://www.facebook.com/gov.abet
https://www.facebook.com/joet.garcia