Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 26) — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said he will propose to the Inter-Agency Task Force to place overseas Filipino workers on the fourth spot of the COVID-19 vaccine priority list. They are currently tenth in line.
Duque told House lawmakers on Friday he is thinking of putting OFWs at the A4 category, which is comprised of essential frontline workers such as uniformed personnel. The group comes under healthcare workers, senior citizens, and persons with comorbidities.
“Ako po mismo ang mangangatawan sa Inter-Agency Task Force na i-angat po ang estado dito po sa ating prioritization framework mula sa [B5], ay itaas po sa A4,” the secretary said during a House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs hearing.
[Translation: I will propose it to the Inter-Agency Task Force myself that the status (of OFWs) be raised in the prioritization framework from B5 to A4].
The B5 category is six spots lower than the A4. It is also below the indigent population, teachers and social workers, other government workers, other essential workers, and other high-risk socio-demographic groups.
Duque said he also wants overseas Filipino workers who fit in the higher categories, such as those who are healthcare workers, senior citizens, or persons with comorbidities, to be included in those upper ranks (A1, A2, A3), instead of being grouped with other OFWs. He added that he earlier spoke with National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Rose Edillion who agreed with his proposal.
Duque said he will raise the matter in the next IATF meeting on Monday, and a decision may be expected on Tuesday.
