As part of its ongoing efforts to have the industry workers and economic frontliners vaccinated against COVID-19, Valenzuela City launches “Grab Day” on June 28 at the Pasolo Elementary School in Barangay Pasolo, Valenzuela City.

The City Government forged a partnership with Grab Philippines, the top ride-hailing and delivery service provider in the country, to vaccinate some 1,200 Valenzuela-registered Grab drivers and delivery partners from 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.

Mayor REX Gatchalian and Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz graced the launch.

In his address, Mayor REX commended the Grab drivers for playing an important part in keeping the local economy afloat especially during the pandemic. “Sila ‘yung bridge from Point A to Point B, mula sa tindahan o sa pabrika patungo doon sa consumers natin,” he maintained. He also recognized the crucial role transportation services have in the reopening of the economy. He expressed his hope that through Grab Day, the City would be able to show its appreciation to the hardworking Grab drivers and delivery partners.

Ms. Vera Cruz thanked the Mayor for partnering with Grab, “We’re very happy with the huge turnout. We’ve partnered with other LGUs, but this is really exceptional as this is the first time one full day is allotted to us for the exclusive vaccination of our drivers and delivery partners. That’s why we encouraged our drivers to have themselves vaccinated here. And they’re very grateful… they feel so valued and appreciated,” she enthused.

The partnership was made even more special as each Grab driver was permitted to bring a “plus one”. Their respective partners, who also belong to the A4 Priority Group, were likewise allowed to be inoculated. Another vaccination day will be scheduled for the remaining Grab drivers, delivery partners, and their spouses.

Grab delivery partner Rodolfo Garcia Jr., of Bisalao, Barangay Bagbaguin, could not hide his happiness and relief when he received his first dose of Sinovac vaccine. “Masaya [ako] kasi may panlaban na ako sa COVID.  Araw-araw po kasi akong nagde-deliver, walang pahinga. Minsan umaabot ng 16 hanggang 30 deliveries. Nagsisimula ako ng 6:00 A.M. hanggang alas-dose ng hatinggabi… Nagpapasalamat ako sa kanila kasi mayroong libreng vaccine. Kukumbinsihin ko rin ang ibang kakilala ko na magpabakuna para sa kaligtasan din ng kanilang pamilya.”

To date, Valenzuela City has been able to vaccinate 30% of its population. “Close to 140,000 Valenzuelanos have received their COVID-19 shots. We are still quite far from our target of 476,000, but we are happy that we have breached the 30% milestone. As the National Government continues to supply us with vaccines and as the delivery stabilizes, we are optimistic that the pace of vaccination here in Valenzuela will also pick up. We’re really looking forward to having more Valenzuelanos vaccinated,” shares the City Mayor.  

On June 12, Valenzuela City formally started inoculating the A4 priority group beginning with the basic education frontliners or educators and the industry workers. The Valenzuela City People’s Park Amphitheater was chosen to be the vaccination site for the teachers. Aside from Pasolo Elementary School, another Industry/Corporate vaccination center was set up at the Justice Eliezer delos Santos National High School in Barangay Ugong. A third Industry/Corporate vaccination center is scheduled to begin operations towards the latter part of the week.

Interested city-based industries may register their employees via www.valtrace.appcase.net under “Vaccination Registration for Corporate” for their companies to be scheduled.