A Filipino senior citizen who is currently residing in Dubai lauded the emirate’s efforts to ensure that everyone gets vaccinated after he got the COVID-19 jab in a span of five minutes.
Dr. Ed Malagapo, Dean of the Philippine Christian University and recipient of 2017 The Filipino Times Rizal Award, shared through Facebook how he was given priority at a COVID-19 vaccination center at the Ghurair area in Dubai.
“An amazing thing happened. My Ph.D. student, Engr. Vic Abejero told me to dress up and pick me up after 5 minutes. We reached after 5 minutes to the center which was close to our flat. Upon reaching the clinic’s gate, we told the guard about my status as senior citizen. We were told to see the nurse to start the process. It took as another 5 minutes to complete the 1st dose,” shared Dr. Malagapo.
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Speaking to The Filipino Times, Dr. Malagapo shared that despite his age, he didn’t feel any symptoms 24 hours after getting the Sinopharm jab.
“Sinopharm yung tinurok sa akin and walang side effect naman yung vaccine. Yung mga sinasabi sa iba na sumakit ang braso o nagkalagnat – wala naman akong naramdaman,” said Dr. Malagapo.
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He expressed his gratitude to the UAE government for its comprehensive vaccination drive, stating that his experience proves that the UAE leaves no one behind to ensure everyone’s safety against COVID-19.
“Masasabi ko na ang UAE, talagang they really care for all – whether you are an Emirati or not, they really care for you. Bihira lang ito kasi if you are an expat and living in a certain place, bihira yung gobyerno na magbibigay sa iyo ng ganitong klaseng medical attention na libre. I am glad and honored to call the UAE as my second home,” said Dr. Malagapo.