Richell Cestina-Parsons, the first Filipino nurse who administered the first COVID-19 vaccine in the world, received a Presidential citation from Malacañang Palace on Thursday, June 29.
The Presidential citation was bestowed during her courtesy call to President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.
Photos and videos during Parsons’ visit were shared by Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM).
“In recognition of her exemplary contributions, dedication to service, and exceptional leadership; For bringing honor and prestige to the Philippines and the Filipino people in being the first in the world to administer the COVID-19 vaccine outside of clinical trials; and For her steadfast efforts in promoting and advocating for the Philippines, Filipino nurses, and other healthcare professionals,” the citation reads.
In December 2020, Parsons administered the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to a 90-year-old British national named Margaret Keenan at a hospital in Coventry City, England.
Last May, Parsons was featured in a campaign advertisement rolled out by the Department of Tourism (DOT).
The bus has a tagline that stated "The nurse who gave the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine. A Filipina. We give the world our best. The Philippines.”
