By Daniel P. Tapaoan, Jr. 

Officials of the Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center (MMMH-MC) virtually convened with the employees of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) today, June 14, for the Lay Forum on COVID-19 vaccination program dubbed Resbakuna: Kasangga ng Bida. 

The event aimed to discuss the vaccination drive for MMSU employees which will start on Thursday, June 17. 

In the meeting, Dr. Ricardo S. Guanzon, dean of the College of Medicine, presented the latest COVID-19 statistics to the participants; while Dr. Gretchen Ranada, coordinator of MMMH-MC COVID-19 vaccination program, explained the importance of getting vaccinated. Also, Mr. Jhey-ar O. Mangati, health education and promotions officer, discussed the 10 frequently asked questions on COVID-19 vaccination, including its procedures. 

An open forum was also conducted to address MMSU employees’ inquiries regarding the vaccination roll-out in the university.

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis thanked the MMMH-MC and the Department of Health (DOH) for their commitment to vaccinate 1,000 university employees. She also considers this move “as a big step toward becoming a truly COVID-resilient university.”

Dr. Ranada emphasized that the successful implementation of the vaccination program in MMSU determines the possible provision of vaccine dosages, which may lead to achieving herd immunity in the university. 

Dr. Guanzon reiterated that “the best COVID-19 vaccine is the one available now.” (StratCom)