DR. CHRIS Sorongon, deputy for medical data and analysis of Emergency Operations Center-Task Force (EOC-TF), is hoping that the incoming administration in Bacolod City will continue the EOC operation, as well as its vaccination program against coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Sorongon said Sunday, May 22, that the EOC was created by virtue of Executive Order (EO) 59 and they do not know if such an order will still be continued by the new administration.

It might be one of the items that will be focused on by outgoing Mayor Evelio Leonardia with the transition team of incoming mayor Alfredo Benitez during the transition, he said.

Sorongon noted that the city's vaccination is one of the best [vaccination efforts] in Western Visayas, if not in the whole Philippines.

"As far as our pandemic response is concerned, the system and process are all in place," he said.

The EOC continues to intensify its vaccination program in malls and barangays, especially for those who will avail the booster shots, its official said.

Sorongon added that they are eyeing to administer the booster shots to 400,000 residents in the city.

As of May 22, almost 155 percent of the city's target population has been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

"We are happy that we have sustained for nearly three months our Alert Level 1 status, but we should not be complacent because we still have the pandemic. The virus is still here," Sorongon said.

He said the public should continue to follow the minimum health protocols like wearing of face mask and observance of social distancing.

Sorongon, who failed to secure a seat in the City Council during the recent elections, said his volunteer work at the EOC will end on June 30, 2022.

He will go back in private life by July 1, he added.