MANILA, Philippines – A large number of indigenous peoples (IPs) in the country are still hesitant to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
Pablito Gonzales, head of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), said on Monday that only 40% to 50% of IPs have been vaccinated against the COVID vaccine.
One of the cited reasons why some IPs do not want to be vaccinated is because of the belief that they will overcome the pandemic even if they do not receive it.
“There are actually still many who are hesitant to get vaccinated,” said Gonzales at the same time as the public briefing.
“They have a bit of hesitancy because for them, they have indigenous knowledge, systems and practices, and spirituality that they can combat these pandemics like COVID-19,” he added.
Despite this, NCCA continues to encourage indigenous people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 where the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) is still traveling with the Department of Health to mountain communities to teach its importance. RNT/JGC
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