Bohol town SK chair to youth: Follow 

legit sources for vaccine info

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, May 7 (PIA) -- "It is important that you follow legitimate trusted sources and verified accounts that talk about corona virus disease (COVID-19) vaccines."

This was the advise of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation president of San Miguel town, June Reign Reyes, who was the guest during the Network Briefing News interview on May 6.

Both Reyes and San Miguel Mayor Virgilio Mendez shared their efforts and the local initiatives they are doing which have contributed to the town's success in containing COVID-19 transmission and in keeping the people safe from the fatal viral disease.

Faced with the problem of apprehensions among the young people when it comes to COVID-19 vaccination due to unverified information on social media, Reyes sees this as a cause for concern even as she saw some other youth who have gained positive perspective and are willing to get vaccinated given the chance.

By legitimate sources and verified accounts about the vaccines, Reyes is referring to the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization.

“Besides, it’s important to verify before we share, to stop circulating the apprehensions that are unfounded,” she said.

Although admitting it is a tough job to calm the fear among the youth, she shared that among the things that could help the youth in facing fear would be accurate information and education.

“Last March, the youth of San Miguel had a Youth Leadership Summit in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Among the topics discussed was COVID-19 vaccines and this was done by a speaker from the DOH,” she said.

“She informed and taught us about the vaccines and it made a great impact kasi nawala at nabawasan man lang ang takot about the vaccines,” she stressed.

As to fighting fake news in general, she said “it starts with who you follow, who you listen to, and who you trust.”

Determined to have all the young people in the town to get vaccinated, in view of the mayor's aim for compulsory vaccination, Reyes said their mayor is an ideal model.

Mendez was among the Bohol mayors who volunteered to avail of the vaccine shot ahead to dissipate fears among the residents and show to his constituents that getting the vaccine is safe.

“The mayor had been a great model. He got vaccinated and (showed) nothing bad happened,” Reyes said.

As to the town's stance on compulsory vaccination, Reyes said she supports it so they could quickly attain herd immunity.

During the rollout, majority of the SK and Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams were vaccinated.

Admitting there are still young people who are hesitatant to be vaccinated, she said many have gained a wider perspective and are willing to be vaccinated given the chance.

Reyes leads the town's young leaders in reaching out to youth in their "Komusta ka, Estorya ta" advocacy campaign to get the youth talking about their issues and concerns, especially those that affect their body and mental health. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

CHOOSE WHO YOU FOLLOW. San Miguel SK Federation Chairperson June Reign Reyes urging the young people in her town to be careful about who to follow on social media so they can get only the right information. (PIA Bohol)