MMDA helps LGUs in vaccine rollout

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will be assisting local government units (LGUs) during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in the National Capital Region, an MMDA official said yesterday.

In an interview on dzBB, MMDA public services head Michael Salalima said the agency would be helping the LGUs on logistics once the vaccines are available.

Salalima said the MMDA would help in ensuring the quick distribution of COVID-19 vaccines among Metro Manila cities.

“The procurement of the vaccines is not the only problem. Logistics, handling, storage and manpower also need to be discussed,” he said.

Metro Manila mayors have discussed the vaccine rollout with the MMDA, according to Salalima.

He said the MMDA would get the list of vaccination centers and those who would be inoculated.

“Partly, the MMDA would help in finding cold storages since our chairman, Benhur Abalos, already committed manpower and equipment,” Salalima said.

Millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been purchased by LGUs from AstraZeneca and other pharmaceutical companies to inoculate Metro Manila residents against the virus.