Families of fully vaccinated children get food aid

ROMBLON — The provincial government of Romblon has approved an ordinance providing food assistance incentives to families whose children complete their recommended vaccinations, in an effort to improve childhood immunization coverage.

Provincial Ordinance No. 26, Series of 2026, covers infants and children up to five years old residing in the province.

Under the measure, eligible families may receive food packs or rice assistance after completing the prescribed vaccination requirements, subject to the availability of provincial funds.

The ordinance covers vaccines against tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b, in accordance with national immunization guidelines.

Children who complete their required vaccinations before reaching 13 months of age may also receive certificates of recognition.

The Provincial Health Office will lead the implementation of the program in coordination with municipal health officers, rural health units, barangay health workers and other medical personnel.

The measure also provides for counseling and health education activities to help parents understand the importance of protecting their children against vaccine-preventable diseases.

According to Provincial Health Office figures reported in October, 15,967 children, representing 61.7 percent of the province’s target population of 25,881, had received vaccinations under the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity.