BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio Leonardia said he is willing to be vaccinated once the vaccine against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is available.

"I am willing to be vaccinated and I'm only waiting for the developments on the availability of the vaccine," he said.

He added the city will also intensify the information and education campaign so that the public will participate in the vaccination.

Other city officials also earlier signified their willingness to be vaccinated once vaccines are available.

The City Government already allotted P300 million for the advance purchase of vaccines against Covid-19, with an initial supply of 650,000 doses from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Philippines Inc. this year.

The mayor also signed the multilateral and confidentiality agreement with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Philippines Inc. for the advance purchase of the vaccines.

AstraZeneca PLC is a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical company with its headquarters in Cambridge, England.

Leonardia said Bacolod was among the first cities to cut a deal to secure vaccines with AstraZeneca. Other cities include Davao, Makati and Manila.

"At least, we have that sense of assurance, security, and direction to the people of Bacolod," he said.

He added the P300 million is not for AstraZeneca alone and the 650,000 doses are just the first order.

Leonardia said the City Government is willing to augment, revert and realign all items in their budget if the need arises for the procurement of the vaccines.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, co-chairman of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), also lauded the initiative of the City Government of Bacolod for allotting a budget for the procurement of vaccines.

Nograles said the fight against Covid-19 is not so easy, but Bacolod City has passed it with flying colors.

"It's one of the fastest-growing cities, but despite the population density, despite many challenges that are being faced by many mayors, you have [been] leading this fight very well and you [should] be emulated," he said.