Townhall meetings centered on addressing vaccine hesitancy, increase demand generation of vaccines and debunking myths were conducted in four LGUs in Cebu Province for the month of June this year.

In efforts to intensify the information drive in the region, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG-7), Department of Health (DOH-7) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA-7) hold town hall meetings in San Remigio on June 8, Daanbantayan on June 9, Carcar City on June 15 and Cordova on June 22.

DILG-7 urged the local government units, Punong Barangays, barangay officials and Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) to lead the information drive on their respective communities by providing factual information to their constituents on COVID-19 vaccination.

“At first, I’m hesitant on COVID-19 vaccine because of my high blood pressure. But after I heard the facts, I might eventually get the vaccine shot,” said Barangay Bangbang councilor Milcris Jose Timaan Inoc in Bisaya during the open forum in Cordova town hall meeting.

Leading the conduct of the town hall meetings were Dr. Shelbay Blanco, Medical Officer III of DOH CVCHD; Fayette C. Riñen, Regional Director of PIA 7; and Rommel Correa, Project Development Management Unit (PDMU) Chief of DILG 7.

Correa pointed out that public information officers have a crucial role in information dissemination in the community.

“We at DILG-7, DOH-7 and PIA-7 are asking (PIOs) to help us in advocating the COVID-19 vaccination plan. We ask you to give reliable and accurate information in your communities,” he said.

Participants signed the Pledge of Commitment in support of Resbakuna advocacy campaign.