Education frontliners were inoculated against Covid19 on Tuesday during the symbolic vaccination held in Manila.

One hundred employees of the Universidad de Manila were given jabs to highlight the importance of education workers in ensuring the continuous operation of schools during the pandemic.

Commission on Higher Education Chairman Prospero De Vera III joined Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Manila Vice Mayor Maria Sheilah ‘Honey’ Lacuna-Pangan, and Universidad de Manila President Maria Lourdes Tiquia during the event.

“Last April 15, 2021, I fought for the upgrading of the education frontliners from B1 to A4 in the IATF. I am happy that our celebration of National Higher Education Day includes the vaccination of 100 UDM frontliners with no less than the DOH Secretary and Manila Vice Mayor leading the effort,” De Vera said.

Lacuna-Pangan, a doctor, vaccinated several of the employees.

All of those who were inoculated were in the A4 category, which include workers in essential sectors.

“We hope that other LGUs would follow the lead of Manila and start vaccinating their education frontliners so schools can issue the credentials of students and prepare for next school year,” De Vera said.

The vice mayor echoed his call.

“Mataas ang pagkilala natin sa mahalagang kontribusyon ng mga naglilingkod sa sektor ng edukasyon at sa pagtutulungan ng national at local government ay nakatitiyak tayo na matutupad natin sa lalong madaling panahon ang herd immunity o proteksiyon sa buong lungsod at sa buong bansa,” Lacuna-Pangan said.

Duque said the symbolic vaccination aimed to show the government’s appreciation to the dedication and services given by workers in the education sector whose safety and protection should be ensured.