Different local government units (LGUs) have determined and allocated funds to be used for the purchasing of the COVID-19 vaccine for their respective provinces and localities. 

With a total budget of 4.5 trillion pesos for the year 2021, which is the Philippines’ largest budget in history, the national government provided 72.5 billion pesos to be allotted for purchasing various vaccines from different companies. 

Along with the country’s budget is the confirmed funds of LGUs, most from Metro Manila. The following is the list of their respective budgets for the said vaccines as of Thursday, January 7, 2021. 

• Antipolo City, Rizal – ₱300 million

• Biliran Province – ₱100 million
  The government of Biliran Province is aiming to provide free vaccine for at least 20,000 residents.

• Borongan City, Eastern Samar – ₱35 million

• Bacolod City – ₱300 million
  The city ensures a fair share of the vaccine in their COVID-19 vaccination program, and according to Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, they have signed a confidential agreement with AstraZeneca, a British pharmaceutical firm, for this to be possible.

• Cainta, Rizal – ₱150 million

• Caloocan City – ₱125 million
  Mayor Oscar Malapitan of Caloocan City claimed that the city government will be responsible for all constituents’ free vaccination. Malapitan also mentioned that an additional amount of ₱1 billion funds through a loan will be obtained. 
  
  The city will be making use of both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines. 

Cebu City – ₱400 million

• Eastern Samar – ₱500 million
  With the province’s population, they are aiming for 100% vaccination of all residents as said by Governor Ben Evardone. 

• Iloilo City – ₱200 million
  Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas stated in a Facebook post on January 4, 2021, that they would find “ways and means” for the vaccination of all Iloilo City residents.

• Legazpi City, Albya –  ₱200 million
  ⅓ of Legazpi’s 250,00 population is the target of vaccination as said by Mayor Noel Rosal.

• Leyte Province – ₱20 million
  According to Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla, their target is to vaccinate about 20,000 to 30,000 of their residents.

• Makati City – ₱1 billion
  Together with their hope of 100% vaccination in their city, Mayor Abby Binay claimed that these vaccines will be free and accessible to their residents.

• Malabon City – ₱200 million
  The city’s target is to give vaccination to 20% to 30% of its population. 

• Mandaluyong City – ₱200 million

• Manila CIty – ₱250 million
  The city is currently communicating with two major pharmaceutical companies and they have prepared for the transportation and storage of the vaccines. 

• Marikina City – ₱82.7 million

• Muntinlupa City – ₱170 million

• Navotas City – ₱20 million

• Northern Samar – ₱10 million
  Their target is the vaccine distribution to 80% of its population. 

• Ormoc City, Leyte – ₱200 million
  The city is hoping to give almost 80% of its population vaccine. 

• Parañaque City – ₱250 million
  Even though the city prioritizes medical frontliners and senior citizens, they will also give free vaccination to 300,000 residents.

• Pasay City – ₱250 million

• Pasig City – ₱300 million
  The city will prioritize the vaccination of health workers and senior citizens. 

• Puerto Princesa, Palawan – ₱500 million

• Quezon City – ₱1 billion
  Currently, the city has secured the AstraZeneca vaccine with 750,000 doses, and they will prioritize medical frontliners, senior citizens, and those recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

• San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan
  Although the budget for the city was not disclosed, Mayor Arthur Robelas and Representative Florida Robes assured that the local government will be responsible for the vaccination of all their residents.

• San Juan – ₱50 million

• Tacloban City – ₱30 million

• Taguig City – ₱1 billion
  The city will shoulder fees for the vaccination of all residents.

• Valenzuela City – ₱150 million

• Zamboanga City – ₱200 million

Other LGUs have no updates yet about their respective budgets for the purchasing of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

LGUs are currently waiting for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to permit and give them a green light to buy the vaccines using their allotted funds. 

To keep updated about the latest COVID-19 news, visit https://doh.gov.ph.

Sources:
https://www.cnn.ph/news/2021/1/5/LIST-LGUs-allot-funds-COVID-19-vaccination.html
https://www.rappler.com/nation/list-local-government-units-rolling-out-plans-free-covid-19-vaccines

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Regina Elaine Vendivil