MISAMIS ORIENTAL — Towns and cities across Misamis Oriental have joined the Measles–Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA), which began on 19 January to curb the spread of measles and rubella.

Vaccinations are being offered for free at public health centers and designated sites throughout the province as part of the Department of Health’s “Ligtas Tigdas” campaign. The nationwide program aims to vaccinate nearly 11 million children aged 6 to 59 months, including 2.8 million in Mindanao.

Governor Juliette Uy highlighted the importance of the campaign, urging parents to bring their children to health centers and vaccination sites. “The vaccines are safe, effective and free,” she said.

El Salvador City Mayor Edgar Lignes also called on residents to support the MR-SIA in a video posted on the city’s official social media page. He said, “Measles and rubella can lead to serious complications, especially among unvaccinated children, but these diseases are preventable with safe and effective vaccines. The vaccines are free, safe and effective.”

Tagoloan Mayor Nadya Emano-Elipe echoed the call in a social media post. “Let us work together, along with our offices and our Rural Health Unit partners who are vaccinating in every barangay, so we can achieve a safe, resilient, and healthy community,” she said.

In Gingoog City, officials aim to vaccinate 2,063 children across 79 barangays. Residents like Primadonna Agocoy from Barangay Bal-ason expressed their support: “I had my children vaccinated against measles and rubella because I believe it provides strong protection for my children.”

Lorena L. Macababat from Barangay Kianlagan, whose child also took part in the MR-SIA, shared her gratitude: “I am very thankful that this government program reached our barangay. I allowed my child to receive the vaccine, and that is why I support this program.”

In Opol, local authorities are targeting 6,470 children across 14 barangays. To reach families and address vaccine hesitancy, the town has intensified public awareness campaigns, conducted house-to-house immunizations, and set up additional vaccination sites for residents living far from the rural health office.

Milanis S. Villamor from Barangay Poblacion said she had no fear about vaccinating her child. “No, because this is for their own good and protection, in case a disease does occur,” she said.

Arcel A. Lugo, also from Barangay Poblacion, shared a similar view: “There’s no need to be afraid, because this is for their own good, to keep them protected.”