Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Monday said the provincial government has sealed a deal with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals Philippines Inc. for the purchase of 100,000 doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines.

“Just this morning, we received an email from AstraZeneca requesting us to docu sign the multilateral agreement. I can only say that we have a contract with AstraZeneca. Beyond that, no more details can be provided,” Lacson said in an interview with capitol reporters.

The multilateral agreement is between and among AstraZeneca, the national government, the Department of Health, and the provincial government of Negros Occidental.

The 100,000 doses are intended for 50,000 persons.

“If it goes well, we will ask for another batch, which may include already the other local government units. Or may even include the request from the private sector,” the governor said.

This coming Wednesday, the city mayors under the Association of Chief Executives-Negros, and members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Negros Occidental will hold a joint meeting on Jan. 13 to discuss plans on how to purchase Covid-19 vaccines.

Last week, Lacson said the provincial government has set aside PHP30 million for the procurement of vaccines mainly for medical front-liners.

The budget will be sourced from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.

Lacson also said that efforts to vaccinate at least the health workers and the vulnerable groups in the second quarter of the year are being set in motion. (PNA)