3 Iloilo LGUs reach 95% measles-rubella vaccination goal

By Mariela Angella Oladive

ILOILO CITY – Three of Iloilo province’s 43 local government units (LGUs) have reached the 95% target for the measles-rubella (MR) Supplemental Immunization Activity (SIA), with more than 108,000 children vaccinated as of Aug. 27.

Data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office show 108,873 of the province’s 172,360 target children, ages six months to 59 months, have received the MR vaccine, a coverage rate of 63.17%.

Guimbal recorded the highest vaccination rate in the province at 98.44%, with 2,334 of its 2,371 target children vaccinated.

San Enrique followed at 95.46%, having vaccinated 3,468 of 3,633 children.

Miagao reached 95.21%, with 5,132 of its 5,390 target children vaccinated.

Tigbauan trailed the three at 92.55%, followed by Lemery at 82.87% and Oton at 80.20%.

Health experts consider 95% coverage the threshold needed to establish herd immunity against measles, one of the most contagious vaccine-preventable diseases.

The MR-SIA is being carried out under the Department of Health’s nationwide Ligtas Tigdas program from Aug. 10 to 28 to close immunity gaps and strengthen protection against measles and rubella among young children.

The province’s 95% target translates to about 163,742 of its 172,360 target children.

Based on the Aug. 27 tally, roughly 54,869 children still need to be vaccinated to meet that goal before the campaign ends.

The MR vaccine is provided free of charge to eligible children, regardless of their previous immunization status.

Parents and guardians may bring eligible children to health centers, fixed vaccination sites or temporary vaccination posts in their barangays, as vaccination teams continue community-based activities through the campaign’s final day on Aug. 28.

From Jan. 4 to Aug. 8, Iloilo recorded 48 measles-rubella cases, a 77.3% drop from the 211 cases logged during the same period in 2025. No deaths were reported in either period.

Despite the decline, health authorities continue to urge vaccination to sustain population immunity and reduce the risk of transmission.