Philam Group announced on Thursday that it would be vaccinating their employees against COVID-19 for free.
The program would benefit all employees under its umbrella of insurance affiliates: AIA Philam Life, BPI-Philam Life Assurance Corporation, Philam Asset Management Inc., and Philam Foundation Inc, the giant company said in a statement.
“The health, wellness, and safety of our people is important to us. This is in fulfillment of our commitment to help Filipinos live Healthier, Longer, and Better Lives, and this begins right within our own backyard,” said Kelvin Ang, AIA Philam Life chief executive officer.
“At the same time, we support the government’s call for massive vaccination to achieve herd immunity. This will go a long way in restoring confidence and helping the country in its economic recovery,” Ang said.
Philam Group added it donated vaccines to the government as part of its participation in “Go Negosyo’s A Dose of Hope” initiative to help the country fight COVID-19 pandemic.
Philam Group said the COVID-19 vaccination program is a free and optional benefit for the qualified employees of the company in all its offices nationwide.
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Philam Group workers to get free COVID-19 vaccine
Its employees’ family and household dependents could also avail of the vaccine subject to availability, it said.
Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte announced that private firms would be allowed to buy their COVID-19 vaccines “at will.”
“I have ordered Secretary [Carlito] Galvez to sign any and all documents that would allow the private sector to import at will, maski anong gusto nilang amount na ipasok, OK sa akin [whatever amount they want to bring in, is OK with me],” Duterte said during his weekly “Talk To The People” televised briefing.
The President said that there are many private companies that want to buy vaccines for their employees. “You know the reason why? So that the economy can be opened,” he said.
Duterte also said that the private sector will be allowed to buy COVID-19 vaccines “immediately.”