ILOILO — Iloilo’s success in preventing measles and rubella from spreading across communities now rests heavily on parents bringing their young children to health centers for free vaccination, provincial health officials stressed.
From Aug. 10 to 28, the province is conducting the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR SIA), or “Ligtas Tigdas,” for all children aged six to 59 months.
Authorities emphasized that every vaccinated child strengthens community protection against measles, one of the world’s most contagious diseases.
“The PHO encourages parents to have their children aged six to 59 months vaccinated to help protect them from these diseases. Parents may bring their children to the nearest health center in their area to receive the free vaccine,” Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon said.
Dr. Jhoanne P. Talion, IPHO medical officer III, warned that measles spreads rapidly and can lead to pneumonia, blindness, brain infection, permanent disability and death.
She stressed that parents who choose vaccination protect not only their children but also other families in their communities.
“The 2026 MR SIA or ‘Ligtas Tigdas’ is a reaffirmation of our collective commitment that every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy, protected and free from diseases that entirely preventable. Vaccination remains the strongest and most reliable protection we can provide. By choosing to vaccinate, you are giving your child the opportunity to live a healthier future and helping protect the entire community from vaccine-preventable diseases. When government and families work hand in hand, we can protect every child and build healthier and safer and more resilient communities for generations to come,” Talion said.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. likewise appealed to parents to take an active role in the campaign by bringing their children to rural health units or municipal health centers.
“Siguruhon nga protektado ang iyo chikiting. Pabakunahi sila sa inyo rural health units ukon sentro sang aton mga kabanwahanan,” Defensor said in a campaign video.
The provincial government launched the immunization campaign at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol lobby on Aug. 3.
Defensor, Vice Gov. Nathalie Ann Debuque, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, Quiñon and members of the Provincial Board witnessed the launching.
The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas assured parents that the measles-rubella vaccine is free, safe and effective.
“Pinaagi sa MR SIA, mapalig-on naton ang proteksyon sang aton mga kabataan kag malikawan ang paglapta sang sini nga mga balatian sa aton komunidad. Ang isa ka bakuna subong mahimo nga proteksyon para sa mas masanag nga buas,” DOH-6 said in its campaign material./PN
