TELECOMMUNICATIONS service provider Eastern Communications has started purchasing doses of coronavirus vaccines from American pharmaceutical and biotechnology firm Moderna, Inc. for all its employees, a company official said.
“While the sourcing of the vaccines is a challenge as of the moment, we were already able to procure initial doses, and we will continue to source for more in the coming months,” Eastern Communications Co-Coordinator Aileen D. Regio said in an e-mailed statement on Monday.
The company is providing free vaccines to its more than 500 employees.
“Eastern Communications also aims to help keep its employees’ households safe by extending the vaccination program to workers who opt to purchase for their families and other members of their household at cost,” it said.
The vaccines will be delivered in batches from the second to the fourth quarter of this year.
“This initiative is in line with Eastern Communications’ commitment to ensure the health and safety of its employees especially during the pandemic,” the company said.
“Since the implementation of quarantine measures last year, the telco has enforced its COVID-19 Task Force to administer safety protocols and guidelines in line with government standards and also enacted a robust internal program supporting its employees during these tough times, including a line-up of health and wellness activities,” it added.
The company announced in February that it was allotting P2.8 billion for its expansion plans this year, which will cover wider service areas, including Davao City, Cagayan De Oro, Dumaguete, Tagbilaran, Bacolod, Roxas, Kalibo, Caticlan, Boracay, Naga, Legazpi, Iriga, and Sorsogon.
The company said it intends to support the government’s “digital cities” program aimed at boosting rural development. — Arjay L. Balinbin