City Vice Mayor Jose Antonio “Toto” S. Veloso announced during their June 18th regular session of the 14th Sangguniang Panlungsod that he has received the response of Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Chief Implementer and Vaccine Czar of the Philippines, regarding the City Council’s request to include Tagbilaran City as one of the priority local government unit in the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines. The request which was embodied in Resolution 21-70, sponsored by City Councilor Agustinus V. Gonzaga, was approved by the body last May 21, 2021. The resolution stemmed from the alarming rapid increase of Covid-positive cases in the city and the low number of vaccinated individuals due to the limited number of vaccines received. Sec. Galvez in his letter, applauded the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s dedication in serving the constituents and for taking this initiative to help manage the rising number of cases in the city. He informed the body that National Inter-Agency Task Force is favorably endorsing the city council’s request to the National Vaccines Operation Center for evaluation and appropriate action. Galvez had recently apologized to all LGUs for the delay in the vaccine supply due to logistical challenges but assured the public that more vaccines are expected to arrive from the COVAX facility which will be given to priority groups: health workers, senior citizens, people with comorbidities, and the indigent population. The government expects to receive 11 million Covid vaccines this June, another 11 million in July, and 17 million in August. Galvez also added that around 35 million doses will arrive by third quarter of this year. Vice Mayor Veloso expressed his gratitude that Vaccine Czar Sec. Galvez listened and heeded the 14th Sangguniang Panlungsod’s request. He is also optimistic that through the Sec. Galvez’ favorable endorsement, the City can have a bigger allocation in the distribution of Covid vaccines and provide safe and effective vaccines for all, especially our frontliners and the vulnerable sector.