Isko Moreno eyes dolomite beach as vaccination site

MANILA, Philippines — After the Manila Zoo, Mayor Isko Moreno on Wednesday said he is open to using the dolomite beach along Roxas Boulevard as a vaccination site.

“If it’s feasible, why not? That’s a good idea, but let us make sure that the construction is finished and it is safe for the people,” Moreno said.

He said the city government ensures that vaccination sites are “geographically feasible” before opening these up to offer COVID-19 jabs.

The city government has three drive-through booster shot sites for vehicle owners, public utility drivers and delivery riders, aside from the Manila Zoo vaccination site and the inoculation program in barangay health centers, public schools and malls.

On Wednesday, the renovated Manila Zoo opened as a vaccination facility for minors aged 12 to 17 and senior citizens.

The inoculation site can accommodate 1,000 vaccine recipients daily.

Only fully vaccinated visitors are allowed to enter the man-made beach, which the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reopened on Jan. 4.

Children 11 years old and below are banned from visiting the dolomite beach.

The DENR welcomed the plan of the city government to use the dolomite beach as a vaccination center. “It is a good proposal because it’s an open area and people will somehow feel relaxed while being vaccinated,” DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones said. – Rhodina Villanueva