Manila Bulletin
Palace assures enough funds for COVID-19 vaccines; 20 M poor Filipinos in priority list
The Philippine government has allocated funds for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines once they become available.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque confirmed that the budget for vaccine purchases has been set aside.
Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III previously estimated that approximately P20 billion would be needed to vaccinate 20 million Filipinos.
The Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines will provide the necessary funds for the vaccine acquisition.
The initial target for vaccination includes 20 million of the country's poorest citizens, who will be prioritized.
The proposed 2021 national budget includes an initial allocation of P2.5 billion for COVID-19 vaccine purchases.
The Department of Health indicated that the actual purchase and distribution of vaccines might commence in the second quarter of 2021, pending the completion of development and trials by foreign manufacturers.
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