MMDA to turn isolation center into vaccination hub

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is eyeing to turn its isolation facility into a national COVID-19 vaccination center in a bid to help the government’s vaccine rollout program, an official said yesterday.

In a statement, MMDA Chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. said he plans to open the MMDA’s 800-square-meter quarantine facility in Makati City to help the vaccination program, which is scheduled to start next month.

“The MMDA quarantine facility is open for any national government agency that needs a place to efficiently roll out the anti-COVID-19 vaccination program. We are always willing to lend assistance to stop the transmission of disease at the soonest time possible so we can go back to normal again,” Abalos said.

He said the agency would assist local government units in Metro Manila in terms of vaccine logistics and equipment, for quick mobility across the region.

Abalos also bared his plan for all MMDA employees to undergo monthly swab tests to ensure their health and safety.

The MMDA allocated P20 million for vaccine procurement for the entire workforce last year.