CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija – The provincial government here has procured at least 300,000 doses of vaccine against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Governor Aurelio Umali said on Friday the provincial government has entered into a tripartite agreement with the national government and a pharmaceutical company for the vaccines that will be given for free to their residents.
"I already signed a non-disclosure agreement with AstraZeneca," Umali said, noting that several Covid vaccines are available.
The governor said the initial purchase of AstraZeneca may be given to at least 150,000 residents since it requires two doses for each person.
The provincial government, he said, realigned funds, such as from special education fund (SEF) to purchase the vaccines.
Umali said the provincial board, led by Vice-Governor Anthony Umali, has expressed willingness to give him more funds if needed.
The governor noted that the national government will take care of inoculating members of the Pamilyang Pantawid Pilipino Program (4Ps) and front-liners.
"Sa Nueva Ecija po more or less 900,000 ang sasagutin po ng national government (In Nueva Ecija, more or less 900,000 will be shouldered by the national government)," he said.
Umali said he will meet with the mayors in this province for the program. (PNA)
