Four city governments in Metro Manila have allocated their own funds to purchase of vaccines for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

The four city government are Makati, Pasig, Valenzuela and Navotas that have allocated a total of P1.48 billion for that purpose, with Makati allocating the biggest at P1 billion.

Television reports said Makati City has allocated P1 billion for Covid-19 vaccines and its Mayor Abigail Binay may also seek a supplemental budget for the city’s vaccination drive for the virus.

Meanwhile, Mayor Vico Sotto said they have allocated P300 million for the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines and will select the vaccines approved by the government.

“Whatever vaccine the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) will approve will be used by Pasig City,” he said in Filipino.

Valenzuela City mayor Rex Gatchalian also announced they have allocated P150 million for Covid-19 vaccines.

“Our efforts are meant to augment and supplement the initiative of the national government who will take the lead on this endeavor,” Gatchalian said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Toby Tiangco said they have initially allocated P20 million for Covid-19 vaccines, and the amount could be increased if needed.

It can be recalled that the League of Cities of Philippines’ (LCP) made a call for city governments to allocate their own funds to purchase Covid-19 vaccines to help support the government’s own vaccination drive against the virus.

The government has allocated P72.5 billion for the purchase of Covid-10 vaccines.

Zamboanga City was the first city in the Philippines to allocate funds for the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines, setting aside P200 million.  CURRENTPH