The Quezon City government has partnered with the Diocese of Cubao for its coronavirus vaccination program, with the latter offering their parishes to be utilized as COVID-19 inoculation sites.
Mayor Joy Belmonte made the announcement over the weekend and said: “We are very thankful to the Diocese of Cubao led by Bishop Honesto Ongtioco for opening their churches in support of the city’s vaccination plan. It will be a great help to the city once the vaccines arrive.”
Both the Diocese of Cubao and Novaliches led by Bishop Most Rev. Fr. Roberto Gaa has offered their big parishes as vaccination sites, in addition to the 24 sites identified by the city.
According to the Diocese of Cubao Vicar General Fr. Steve Zabala, the Diocese has initially chosen three parishes that have met the conditions set by the QC Health Department.
“Based on our meeting with the QC Health, the parishes should have a good Wi-Fi connection and good ventilation to be qualified as inoculation sites,” Zabala said.
The prelate of Cubao has initially chosen Our Lady of Pentecost Parish, Santa Maria Dela Strada Parish and Cathedral of Cubao as inoculation sites.
The vaccination will be held at the parish hall and garden and not inside the church itself.
The church will also help the city in promoting its vaccination plan.
“The church has been always working with the government because it is a communal response especially now that we are facing a pandemic,” Zabala added.
Aside from the dioceses, the city is also finalizing its talks with Ateneo de Manila University through its President Fr. Bobby Yap, as the university also expressed willingness to have their facilities used as a vaccination site.
“We welcome this help coming from our churches, schools, and even the private sector. They have been the city’s force multiplier even from the start of our battle against COVID-19,” Belmonte noted.