CAPIZ – The Municipality of Tapaz has taken a major step in strengthening public health with the launch of the School-Based Immunization (SBI) Program at San Julian Elementary School on Friday, August 29.
Also known as Bakuna Eskwela, the program seeks to protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). It is a joint effort of the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), and local government units (LGUs), aimed at safeguarding individual health while boosting community immunity.
The Capiz Provincial Health Office (CPHO), headed by Dr. Alex Nolasco, played a pivotal role in the activity, underscoring the province’s commitment to promoting immunization and strengthening local health initiatives.
Present at the event were National Immunization Program (NIP) Manager Nurse Mae Claire C. Benliro and Health Education and Promotion Officer-designate Liera May H. Agustin, whose presence emphasized the strong collaboration between the health and education sectors.
The CPHO expressed gratitude to the Tapaz Primary Care Facility, particularly Dr. Chad Bryan P. Hilado and his team, for their dedication to protecting children’s health in the community. This cooperation, officials stressed, reflects the shared responsibility of government agencies and frontline workers in promoting public health.
Region-wide, the SBI targets to protect over 185,000 learners in Western Visayas from life-threatening diseases. In Capiz alone, the program will cover 471 schools, with 8,235 Grade 1 learners, 11,900 Grade 7 learners, and 5,101 Grade 4 female learners included in the vaccination rollout.
“Vaccines have consistently proven their safety and effectiveness. They reduce the risk of disease by working with the body’s natural defenses to build protection,” said Dr. Jose Martin Atienza, Medical Officer III and NIP coordinator of DOH Region 6.
As the program unfolds, health authorities expect not only to prevent outbreaks but also to increase awareness among students and families about the vital role of immunization in protecting future generations./PN
