DOH Regional Director Dr. Aristides Tan said that the main objective of the PinasLakas is to increase the number of individuals who have been given a COVID-19 booster shot "to help maintain the country’s wall of immunity."

"Through this campaign, at least 50% of the eligible population will be given booster shots, and at the same time, to increase the vaccination rate of coverage among senior citizens to at least 90%," said Tan.

To easily reach the targets, Tan added, "we are committed to making vaccines easily accessible to all through this Bakuna sa Plaza."

During the PinasLakas campaign, a total of 40 individuals were vaccinated. For the A2 booster, 13 individuals were vaccinated for their first dose and four for their second dose.

For A3, including pregnant women, five individuals for the first dose, one for the second dose, and four for the first dose booster.

For ages 18 to 59, one for the second dose, seven for the first dose booster, and five for the second dose booster.

Maria Razel Bustria, Provincial Immunization Program coordinator, reported that in a span of 17 months of the COVID-19 vaccine administration, out of the 481,873 target individuals, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) administered 571,859 shots and accounted for 291,167, or 60.42%, as fully vaccinated "or those individuals who received two doses of appropriate antigen or one shot of Jansen vaccine, which is way behind our target of 80%."

On behalf of Governor Pacquiao, Provincial Administrator Atty. Ryan Jay Ramos assured that despite the current number of target vaccinated individuals, the leadership of Governor Pacquiao is positive that Sarangani will achieve its target before the first 100 days.

"Naniniwala ako that Sarangani through Congressman Steve (Solon), Governor Ruel, Dok Vice Governor (Elmer) De Peralta, with the full support of all the officials from the province, municipalities down to the barangays, ay maabot ng Sarangani ang 50% booster sa eligible population and 90% vaccinated senior citizens," Tan said.

Tan also encouraged all Sarangans to get vaccinated and avail themselves of the booster shots, "kasi this is our only game changer to ensure that, despite the presence of the COVID-19 variant, they will be protected, including their families."

Present during the launching were Mayor Salway Sumbo Jr., DOH-Provincial Director Dr. Shahrir Dulduco, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Arvin Alejandro, and Committee Chair on Health Board Member Irish Louis Arnado-Beñola.

The vaccination campaign was conducted alongside the Tutok Buntis, dental care, and non-communicable diseases screening.

The PinasLakas campaign runs from July 26 to October 28 this year. (Joshua John S. Pantonial/SARANGANI PROVINCIAL INFORMATION OFFICE)