More children submitted to vaccination against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in this province as the five-day mass inoculation with “incentives” kicked off on Wednesday here.

Children, together with their parents, trooped to vaccination sites at the covered courts of the Sta. Lucia Elementary School and the Samal Public Market.

Those aged five years old and above got their first dose.

Maricel Bautista accompanied her 12-year-old son who will be in Grade 7 in the coming school year, while Mary Jane Palago brought her five-year-old son who is in preparatory school. Both kids received their first shot.

“Pinabakunahan namin ang aming anak para may proteksiyon at bilang paghahanda sa face-to-face classes (We submitted our children for vaccination for their protection and in preparation for the face-to-face classes),” the two mothers said.

The provincial government of Bataan launched the “Bakunahan Bayanihan sa Barangay: Panalo ang Bakunado at Boosted na Bataeño” set July 20-23 and 25.

All vaccination sites in 11 towns and one city are open from 8 a.m. to 6 pm.

Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III said although the rise in Covid-19 cases is manageable, they asked for the assistance of 237 barangay chairpersons in the province to persuade more villagers to submit to vaccination.

Approved for vaccination are children five years old and above for the first and second doses, all 12 years old and above for the third dose or first booster shot and immunocompromised, senior citizens, and healthcare workers for the fourth dose or second booster shot.

The governor said those who will be vaccinated during the five-day period have the chance to win PHP500 to PHP1,000 in daily draws at each vaccination site courtesy of the local government unit concerned.

On July 25 or the last day, there will be a grand draw with cash prizes of PHP2,000 for 200 winners, PHP5,000 for 100 winners, and PHP10,000 for 60 winners.

Laptops for 20 winners and tablets for 20 others are also at stake. (PNA)