Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Monday urged parents and guardians to have children ages 6 to 59 months vaccinated against measles and rubella as the Department of Health-Cordillera (DOH-CAR) launched the third phase of its “Ligtas Tigdas” supplemental immunization campaign.

“Vaccination is the best gift we can give our loved ones. Let us protect our children from the serious complications of measles and rubella by bringing them for vaccination,” Magalong said in a message read by Executive Assistant Leandro Tabilog during the campaign launch.

The supplemental immunization drive runs from Aug. 3 to 28 and aims to vaccinate more than 150,000 children across Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province and Baguio City. Nationwide, nearly 11 million children are targeted before the program ends later this year.

DOH-CAR Regional Director Dr. Amelita Pangilinan said measles and rubella cases in the Cordillera declined by 40% as of July compared with the same period last year, attributing the drop to sustained vaccination efforts despite the pandemic.

“This is not by accident,” Pangilinan said, citing the work of barangay health workers who conducted door-to-door visits to reach children who missed routine vaccinations and the continued support of local government units.

She said health workers will continue administering free vaccines at health centers and through community outreach activities during the three-week campaign.

Pangilinan reminded parents that mild coughs or colds should not delay vaccination.

“What should worry us most is measles itself,” she said, noting that the disease spreads easily through the air and can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, blindness or death.

She emphasized that vaccines remain safe, effective and free, noting that the country’s National Immunization Program has protected millions of Filipino children over the past five decades.

City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes said Baguio achieved an 84% measles-rubella vaccination rate two years ago, contributing to only four recorded cases in 2025 and four cases as of July this year.

She urged residents to help spread information about the campaign and encourage parents to bring eligible children for vaccination.

Vaccines are available at Baguio’s 16 district rural health centers and at fixed vaccination sites operated by the Philippine Red Cross-Baguio Chapter.

Meanwhile, a pediatrician from the Philippine Pediatric Society in Northern Luzon expressed support for the campaign, stressing that supplemental immunization provides added protection by closing immunity gaps and reducing the risk of outbreaks.

Dr. Maria Lourdes Trajano, a pediatric neurologist and vice president of the Philippine Pediatric Society-Northern Luzon, said she has treated children with vaccine-preventable diseases and urged parents not to miss the opportunity for added protection. (PNA)