DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region, in partnership with the city government of Dagupan, conducted the grand launching of the campaign for the Measles Rubella and bivalent Oral Polio virus Vaccine Supplementary Immunization Activities (MR-bOPV SIA) on Tuesday, May 9 at the CSI Stadia in Lucao, Dagupan City.
Guest of Honor and Undersecretary of Health for Field Implementation and Coordination Team (FICT) North and Central Luzon Eric Tayag serves as guest during the launching of Chikiting Ligtas in Dagupan City on May 9.
Guest of Honor and Undersecretary of Health for Field Implementation and Coordination Team (FICT) North and Central Luzon Eric Tayag said that the MR-bOPV SIA or “Chikiting Ligtas” aims to immunize children who are missed out during the routine immunization between 2019 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Kailangan natin ang tulong ng bawat isa, kabilang ang ating mga lokal na pamahalaan na siyang mangunguna sa pagbabakuna ng mga bata at magbabahay-bahay sa mga komunidad upang masiguro na ang bawat bata ay mabibigyan ng vaccines at nagpapasalamat kami sa napakalaking suporta ng Dagupan City sa kampanyang ito,” Tayag emphasized.
A total of 324 children availed of the free vaccines during the activity.
City Mayor Belen Fernandez vowed to vaccinate all children from 9 to 59 months old with measles-rubella vaccine, while 0-59 months old will be provided with the oral polio vaccine.
“The MR-OPV SIA actualizes our focus on good government, that is to bring government closer to the people, and bring health care services and children protection to every Dagupeño family right at their doorstep,” the mayor added.
City Mayor Belen Fernandez vows to vaccinate all children from 9 to 59 months old with measles-rubella vaccine, while 0-59 months old will be provided with the oral polio vaccine.
Mayor Fernandez also directed the City Health Office to conduct weekend vaccination activities and promised to join the barangay and house-to-house campaign to encourage more parents to vaccinate their children.
As of May 10, the regional MR-OPV SIA accomplishment report of Dagupan City has already recorded a total of 4,104 (25%) out of the 16,162 children vaccinated with measles-rubella and 4,797 (25%) out of the 18,915 children were given oral polio vaccine.
DOH Ilocos regional director Paula Paz Sydiongco recognized the city government of Dagupan for supporting the health department’s programs and projects.
“Nagpapasalamat din po ako sa mga magulang at guardians na dumalo at nagdala ng kanilang anak upang mabigyan ng bakuna. Ito ay pagpapahiwatig ng taos pusong pagmamahal upang sila ay hindi magkasakit at mabigyan ng proteksyon laban sa sakit na rubella, measles, at polio,” Sydiongco said.
She added, “Kailangan nating isulong ang MR-OPV SIA vaccination upang maiwasan ang pagkakaroon ng isa pang epidemya.” (JCR/AMB/PIA Pangasinan)
