𝐃𝐎𝐇 𝟕, 𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐌 𝐔𝐏 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐒-𝐑𝐔𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀 𝐕𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄; 𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐆𝐍 𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝟔𝟑𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐍 𝐈𝐍 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐀𝐘𝐀𝐒
The Department of Health Central Visayas (DOH 7) and the Cebu Provincial Government have teamed up to roll out the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) in Cebu, which runs from August 10 to 28.
In Central Visayas, the health department aims to reach at least 630,000 children, aged 6 to 59 months, in Cebu and Bohol.
In Cebu, the campaign, dubbed “Ligtas Tigdas 2026: Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity,” is being implemented across the province’s local government units down to the barangay level, with the Provincial Government mobilizing its health facilities and personnel to help ensure that eligible children are reached and vaccinated.
This was announced by Dr. Faith Curaraton, DOH 7 Regional National Immunization Program (NIP) Medical Coordinator, during the regional launching of the MR-SIA at the Capitol Social Hall on August 10.
With the theme “Bakuna at proteksyon ni baby, atong responsibility (Baby’s vaccine and protection are our responsibility),” the vaccination drive seeks to provide supplemental protection against measles and rubella among young children.
“It is free, it is safe, it is effective. Mao ra gyud na amoang mahatag sa mga bata para ma-protektahan sila,” Dr. Curaraton said during the program.
Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has thrown her support behind the campaign, with the governor signing Executive Order No. 40 last month creating the Provincial Immunization Task Force to strengthen coordination and implementation of the vaccination program throughout Cebu.
“Every vaccination is not simply a number added to our accomplishment. Behind that number is a child we are protecting, a parent we are giving peace of mind, and a family we are helping keep safe,” the governor said. “Our goal should be simple: No Cebuano child should suffer from a disease that we already have the means to prevent.”
Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Sheila Faciol, said the Capitol’s 16 provincial and district hospitals will be mobilized as vaccination sites, along with rural health units in the province’s cities and municipalities, in line with the governor’s directive that no child should be left behind.
Over the next three weeks, the Provincial Health Office will coordinate with DOH 7 and city and municipal health offices to implement the vaccination drive down to the barangay level. Barangay health workers will also be mobilized to help identify and register eligible children.
According to DOH data, the country recorded a 32 percent increase in measles and rubella cases in 2025 compared with 2024, with 73 percent of reported cases involving unvaccinated children.
Measles and rubella, locally known as tigdas, are highly contagious and airborne diseases that can lead to serious complications and, in severe cases, death. With no specific cure for measles, vaccination remains the most effective way to protect children from the disease.
Symptoms may include fever, conjunctivitis, cough, colds, rashes and swollen lymph nodes, locally called as “lusay.”
During the launching, eight babies received vaccines, while Gov. Baricuatro administered Vitamin A supplements. /𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶, 𝑷𝑯𝑶𝑻𝑶𝑺 𝑩𝒀 𝒀𝑱𝑩, 𝑨𝑹𝑱
Check this also: Gov. Pamela Baricuatro Visits Tabo sa Kapitolyo 2026, Supports Cebu Entrepreneurs
