Perks boost vaccination drive in Las Piñas – Rep. Villar

MANILA, Philippines — An array of incentives offered to residents who get inoculated has increased the vaccination rate in Las Piñas City.

A month after the launch of “May Bahay sa Bakuna,” an incentive program initiated by Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar to increase vaccine uptake in her constituency, people who received two jabs went up by as much as 205 percent.

As of July 15, 100,535 individuals have had their two vaccine doses, compared to 32,971 fully vaccinated last June 14.

“I am so happy and overwhelmed by the response of my kababayans on this program as we ensure to get as many people as possible to get vaccinated,” said Villar, who led the first monthly raffle draw last week.

Of the total 313,045 vaccinated, 100,535 were fully vaccinated individuals while 212,510 got their first shot.

Villar, who donated a range of non-monetary incentives, likewise noted a rise in vaccination sign-ups since the launch of the program.

“We are promoting this program not just as a way to incentivize people but also to prevent a surge in cases brought about by low vaccine turnout,” she added.

The city is giving away grocery items every month for residents who get vaccinated, while everyone who got at least one jab will get the chance to win a house-and-lot estimated to be worth P1.5 million and two brand new motorcycles.

Las Piñas ranked second among 17 LGUs in Metro Manila with a vaccine utilization rate of 95.74 percent, just behind Pasay City.

The House leader said they are actively promoting the vaccination program as a means to protect the public from the threats of COVID-19, as well as the emergence of new variants. Citing experts, she said vaccinated individuals are less likely to get seriously ill.

The local government’s vaccination drive covered A1 (frontline health care workers), A2 (senior citizens), A3 (persons with co-morbidity), A4 (economic frontliners) and A5 (indigent population) priority lists.

There are 18 vaccination sites in Las Piñas: CAA Elementary School, Las Piñas Elementary School Central, Gatchalian Covered Court, Pamplona Uno Elementary School Central, Verdant Covered Court, Golden Acres Covered Court, Bambusetum Covered Court, San Antonio Covered Court, Almanza Uno Covered Court, T.S. Cruz Covered Court, SM Southmall, SM Center, Las Piñas General Hospital, University of Perpetual Help System Dalta Gymnasium, Las Piñas Doctors Hospital, Village Square Mall, Robinsons Place and The Tent on C5 Extension.