61IB soldiers get Covid jabs

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion have been inoculated with Sinovac Biotech’s CoronaVac vaccines.

The vaccination was conducted at the 61st IB headquarters in Camp Monteclaro, Barangay Igtuba in Miagao, Iloilo, on July 10, 2021.

Lieutenant Colonel Harold E. Garcia, 61st IB commander, said the inoculation was administered by 1st district of Iloilo Rep. Janette L. Garin, together with volunteers from the Southern Iloilo Health Zone and the rural heads units of Miag-ao and Guimbal towns.

“We are privileged to be one of the vaccine recipients, and through this, we could inspire and encourage other people to get vaccinated, too,” Garcia said.

He added that it will likewise boost the soldiers’ confidence in performing their duties and responsibilities in securing the community.

Of the 167 troops who received the initial doses of Sinovac, seven are officers, 139 are enlisted personnel, and 21 others are CAFGU Active Auxiliary.

Meanwhile, Garin has underscored the importance of herd immunity, especially among frontline workers.

She also emphasized that the soldiers’ willingness to get vaccinated is a strong indication that the vaccine is safe because some people were scared and nervous to avail themselves of the Covid-19 vaccine.