Galvez urges Nayong Pilipino to approve mega vaccine site

Vaccine Czar Carlito Galvez Jr. urged the Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF) board to approve the construction of a mega vaccination site on its property.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque appealed to the NPF board to sign the deal allowing a private entity to put up a vaccination site on its property, emphasizing it is consistent with the President's police power and aimed at protecting Filipinos' right to health.

The NPF has been opposing the plan of a foundation owned by tycoon Enrique K. Razon, Jr. to establish a vaccination facility on its site, citing health and environmental risks.

The proposed vaccination facility is planned to be erected in an 8.5-hectare urban forest portion of the 22-hectare old Nayong Pilipino cultural theme park, which means trees will have to be cut.

Roque clarified that the facility will be makeshift, like tents, and not permanent, and will be used for the inoculation of various sectors.

This position was expressed following the resignation of Lucille Karen Malilong-Isberto as Nayong Pilipino executive director in opposition to the planned construction.

Galvez argued that the fate of the trees should not be prioritized over the lives of potentially millions of Filipinos.

The construction of the vaccination center will be funded by the ICTSI Foundation, with Felino "Jun" Palafox as the architect.