The Iloilo City Government is eyeing to use the Iloilo Convention Center (ICON) as a vaccination center to cater to more individuals while practicing physical distancing.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas said the city government’s COVID-19 Team will inspect the convention center in Mandurriao district if it is feasible.

ICON has a gross floor area of 11,694 square meters. The four halls at the first floor have a total area of 2,900 square meters while the seven function rooms at the second floor have a total area of 700 square meters.

According to Treñas, they already talked to the operators of ICON and they are “very willing to let us use it for free.”

The Central Philippine University (CPU) covered gym in Jaro district is currently the biggest vaccination site in the city.

The Ateneo de Iloilo covered gym, SM City Iloilo, and John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University also serve as the city’s vaccination sites.

The city has so far vaccinated more than 22,000 frontliners, senior citizens and immuno-compromised residents were inoculated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines from the Department of Health (DOH).

The city government is targeting to immunize against COVID-19 a total of 300,000 residents and 100,000 non-residents working in city once the vaccines it ordered from AstraZeneca arrive.

Treñas said those who are willing to get vaccinated should register first in their barangays or malls and wait for their schedule.

“Only those given official tickets will be allowed during vaccination day. Walk-ins will not be entertained,” he stressed.IMT