ILOILO — To shield thousands of schoolchildren from life-threatening but preventable diseases, the Iloilo Provincial Government has launched its 2025 School-Based Immunization (SBI) Program in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
The province-wide campaign, which runs from August to September, targets learners in Grades 1, 4, and 7 with vaccines against Measles, Rubella, Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) for female Grade 4 students. The program is crucial in preventing outbreaks that could disrupt education and put young lives at risk.
On Aug. 14, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) officially kicked off the program at Bingawan National High School, where 182 Grade 7 students received their MR-TD vaccines. The activity brought together the Bingawan LGU, DepEd Schools Division of Iloilo, and the provincial DOH office in a show of united commitment to learner health.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the parents for trusting us with their children’s health, the teachers for assisting with requirements and guiding the learners, and the vaccination team of Bingawan RHU for delivering quality immunization services. As part of our commitment to public health, we encourage everyone to participate in this initiative, ensuring that every learner receives the protection they deserve,” the IPHO said in a statement.
Immunization teams composed of DepEd health personnel and Rural Health Units will continue visiting schools across the province, administering vaccines and educating students and parents on their importance. Each learner will be given personalized attention to ensure they understand the protection these vaccines provide.
Through the SBI program, the province aims not only to safeguard children’s health but also to minimize class disruptions, promote consistent learning, and strengthen Iloilo’s resilience against communicable diseases./PN
