Virginia Baguis, a community volunteer and barangay secretary in Guiuan CDP, has become strong and fearless going to work since she becomes fully vaccinated.

Since then, the concern of being severely infected has somehow do not worry any longer. This will also help her to do her job as a community volunteer, especially for home visitation to the sponsored children.

“For all those who are hesitant to get vaccinated, do not believe in rumors or spread fake news. Just think of the safety of your family and the whole community. The vaccine is not deadly, but it provides protection for all of us,” Baguis said.

(“Para po sa lahat na nag-aalinlangan na magpabakuna, ang masasabi ko lang po – huwag po kayong makinig sa mga sabi-sabi o kumakalat na mga fake news. Isipin niyo lang po ang kaligtasan ng inyong pamilya at sa buong komunidad. Ang bakuna ay hindi nakakamatay, kundi ito’y nagbibigay proteksyon para sa ating lahat.”)

Baguis reiterated that she can help by informing others of the positive effects of the COVID-19 vaccine on yourself and others. Proper health screening is done before vaccination and makes sure that on the day of vaccination the body must be in good condition.

With the continuous roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine, there has been an increase in the number of people who wanted to get COVID-19 vaccines, according to the recent Pulse Asia Survey this June 2021. This is good news, as 4 in 10 Filipinos are now willing to get their vaccines.

As per the survey result, 35% who did not want to get vaccinated would change their minds once their “relatives, friends, or acquaintances who have been vaccinated are safe”. Thus, sharing vaccine stories and experiences of our community volunteers, just like Virginia Baguis, hope to encourage more community members to get vaccinated.