THE local government of Sto. Tomas in Pampanga is allocating P3 million for the procurement of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine.

Mayor Gloria Ronquillo said the municipality, along with other local government units (LGUs) in the province, will procure vaccines through the Provincial Government.

"Governor Dennis Pineda will be transacting in behalf of LGUs in Pampanga so we can have a bulk order and can be accommodated by pharmaceutical companies who developed the vaccines," Ronquillo said.

She added that the vaccines that will be purchased by the local government are only provisioned to supplement the supplies that will be downloaded by the National Government.

The National Government is looking into vaccinating around 70 percent of the country's population to obtain herd immunity, therefore leaving LGUs with 30 percent of its population.

Based on 2015 census, the municipality has a total population of 40,475, wherein 30 percent of which is 12,142.

Ronquillo, meanwhile, urged Tomasians to participate in the Covid-19 vaccination program to protect themselves from the virus.

She said based on surveys of rural health unit, many residents still have apprehensions about the vaccines.

"There is no need to worry because the vaccines are safe and will protect us from the virus so I encourage everyone, especially those in priority groups such as our senior citizens to have yourself vaccinated," she said.