THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is planning to open its Resbakuna Center located on EDSA corner Boni Avenue to the general public soon.

Sen. Richard J. Gordon, PRC chairman and CEO, said the Resbakuna Center, operating along the country’s busiest highway, has been vaccinating OFWs for the past five days now, operating from morning until night. Yesterday morning, Aug. 10, 50 OFWs were vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine under the government’s Moderna Vaccination Program.

“PRC is working on having other vaccines available and opening them to the public as vaccine supplies permit,” he said.

Gordon, at the same time, disclosed that additional vaccination centers are being planned in strategic locations along EDSA, considered as Metro Manila’s major artery since it connects the National Capital Region’s northern and southern districts.

“Iyang resbakuna center natin sa EDSA will be the first of many. I plan to have vaccination centers all along EDSA para mabakunahan ang mas maraming tao,” he said.

As of Aug. 7, the Philippine Red Cross has vaccinated 84,452 individuals nationwide.

In another development, the PRC continues to boost its nationwide vaccination efforts by opening vaccination centers on other provinces. Recently, it opened a facility in Bacolod and in Batangas.

PRC Negros Occidental conducted a successful dry run at the Gaisano Grand Bakuna Center in Bacolod City and vaccinated a total of 300 people with Sinovac.

PRC Negros Occidental Bacolod City Chapter Chairman Carlos Ganihong, Bacolod City Administrator Em Ang, Gaisano Grand Bacolod City Mall chief security officer Gilbert Linda, and PRC Negros Occidental Chapter Administrator Rita Benita Mirasol were present at the dry run.

PRC Batangas Chapter, in partnership with the local government unit of Batangas, Xentro Mall, and Batangas Healthcare Specialist Medical Center opened a Resbakuna center, aiming to inoculate 200 people a day.

PRC Batangas Chapter mobilized 14 staff and 17 volunteers to administer the vaccination program targeting the A1, A2, and A3 categories. PRC inoculates its beneficiaries with the Janssen vaccine.

Gordon noted that vaccines remain the safest protection against disease and will provide a powerful tool to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Vaccination, together with testing, is our primary weapon against COVID, and putting up mall-based vaccination centers across the country is critical in our fight against the pandemic. Ang goal natin ay mabakunahan ang mas maraming Pilipino, lalo na sa panahon ng Enhanced Community Quarantine. I urge everyone to get vaccinated para maiwasan ang mga severe cases. Katulong ng ating mga PRC Chapters nationwide at local government, mas ilalapit natin sa mga nangangailangan ang bakuna centers upang lahat ay maprotektahan kontra COVID-19,” he said.

While the vaccines are free, the PRC pays for all other expenses which include equipment, medical supplies, and manpower.