But appeals to public: ‘Make use of free vaccines from gov’t’

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go has welcomed the efforts of the Food and Drug Administration to make COVID-19 vaccines commercially available in the country. In a statement, Go said that the move will provide more options for Filipinos, promoting further the COVID-19 vaccination program.

He, however, asked the FDA to ensure that manufacturers would go through the evaluation and registration process when they apply for a Certificate of Product Registration (CPR).

“Experts should be able to assess the safety and efficacy of the vaccines before making them commercially available,” said Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health.

“Ang importante ay masigurong ligtas ang mga bakuna para hindi matakot ang ating mga kababayan. Sundin lang ang tamang proseso at huwag pahirapan ang mga mag-aapply sa FDA,” he added.

Task Force Edward, which was recently launched by the FDA, has as its main objective the commercialization of COVID-19 vaccines in the country.

“This initiative will help the current administration to shift its focus from COVID-19 crisis management to a more robust recovery of the national economy,” said the FDA.

Manufacturers of vaccines may already apply for CPR, which the task force will carefully review and evaluate.

The pharmaceutical sector has also been advised by the FDA to meet all standards and submit the appropriate applications for the issuance of the certificate or marketing authorization.

The FDA’s move to make COVID-19 available for commercial sale seeks to aid in the Philippines’ transition out of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Go continues to remind Filipinos to avail of free COVID-19 shots and boosters being provided by the government as soon as they are eligible in order to ensure that they are better protected from the virus and assist in the country’s path to recovery.

“Samantala, patuloy ang aking panawagan sa mga kababayan nating nag-aalangan pa na magpabakuna na at magpaturok na ng kanilang booster shots,” said Go.

“Libre naman ang mga ito mula sa gobyerno na pinaghirapan nating bilhin noon. Para po ito sa lahat ng kwalipikadong Pilipino kaya huwag nating sayangin. Samantalahin niyo na ang libre na mula sa gobyerno kaysa hintayin na magbabayad pa tayo para sa parehong bakuna,” ended Go.