THE Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, expressed support to the “no vaccine, no ayuda” proposal in order to encourage more people to get vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
"If this will be proposed, it will be a welcome development because it is part of the help-seeking behavior so people will be interested or will be encouraged to have their Covid-19 vaccinations both for the mothers and their children," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a television interview.
But Vergeire said it should be ensured that it does not violate the right of the people, particularly the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which is the main target of the policy.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) earlier proposed to make Covid-19 vaccination a requirement in order for the 4Ps beneficiaries to get their monthly subsidy, particularly the P750 health and nutrition monthly grant.
READ: Año, Galvez explain ‘no vaccine, no ayuda’ proposal
Under Republic Act 11310, or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Act, poorest of the poor families will receive grant worth P3,000 to P5,000 provided the family complies with conditions promoting human development, such as keeping students in school, engaging in healthy practices and family development, and improving the health nutritional status of pregnant and postpartum mothers, infants and young children.
Many expressed opposition to the proposed policy but DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said it is also beneficial for the 4Ps members and their families, as they are at more risk of contracting the coronavirus and it will be harder for them when they get hospitalized. (SunStar Philippines)