The number of measles-rubella cases recorded in the country rose by 32 percent in 2025, according to the latest data from the Department of Health.

Based on the DOH report dated 27 December, a total of 5,123 measles and rubella cases were recorded nationwide, up from 3,880 cases during the same period in 2024.

Of the total cases, an estimated 2,567, or about half, involved children aged six months to under five years old, the DOH said.

The health agency also noted that 73 percent of reported cases involved individuals who were not vaccinated against measles.

Mindanao recorded the highest incidence rates, particularly in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

"There are a lot of unvaccinated children. Every year, they increase. So every five years, we conduct supplemental immunization activities. We will vaccinate every Filipino children whatever their status," DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa said in Filipino.

"It should originally be every five years, but now, we're doing it every year because the number is increasing," Herbosa added.

The DOH will begin nationwide measles-rubella vaccination on January 19, starting in Mindanao, where most cases are concentrated. The agency aims to vaccinate about 11 million children across the country.

Herbosa said around 2.8 million children in Mindanao will be inoculated this month, while 5.6 million children in Luzon and 1.9 million in the Visayas are scheduled for vaccination in June.

The DOH urged parents and guardians to bring their children to the nearest health center to ensure protection against measles and rubella.