The Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper
Teachers to get free Covid-19 test kits
CEBU – Governor Gwen Garcia is expected to distribute for free Covid-19 antigen test kits to unvaccinated teachers who are worried of having to spend for the test to enter their school premises, as mandated by national government guidelines.
This, after the Limdaqui Trading Inc. donated a total of 10,000 antigen test kits to the Provincial Government. Garcia thanked Leslie and Charles Lim of the Limdaqui Trading Inc. for the donation which she said is a significant help, especially for the unvaccinated teachers.
“We are honored to share our products especially
on health issues. We are so proud to be part of this program,” Leslie Lim said.
Garcia said the teachers shall be given priority in the distribution of the antigen test kits. “You will be given priority. You will be able to take the antigen test for free,” she told some unvaccinated teachers who were present during the turnover of the antigen
test kits at the Capitol.
The governor has been the voice for unvaccinated individuals, especially the teachers, saying such should remain a personal choice that should be respected.
She said the rule set by the national government’s Covid-19 Inter-agency Task Force requiring unvaccinated teachers to present negative a
Covid-19 test before they are allowed to enter the school premises is unfair and an added burden to them, which is already tantamount to a penalty.
She pointed out that the money these teachers may have to spend for the test could already be spent for more necessities, especially now that prices of basic commodities, including oil, are rising.
Education Regional Director Dr. Salustiano, who was also present during the turnover of the donation, praised and expressed his gratitude to Garcia. He said the donation is an “answered prayer” because the teachers can now have their Covid-19 tests for free. (CL)