THE LIGTAS Tigdas Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) is extended until February 20.
DOH Undersecretary Farwa Hombre announced the extension to raise coverage of the 5-9-month-olds to the 95% herd immunity target.
The month-long MR-SIA supposedly closed last Feb. 13 as it started last Jan. 19, bit is extended until February 20.
DOH emphasized that achieving the 95% herd immunity is necessary to stop potential outbreaks.
The Undersecretary emphasized the importance of efforts by the community to ensure that the campaign reaches its target before concluding.
From Jan. 19 to Feb. 15, 2026, the Ligtas Tigdas Situation Report showed varying levels of measles vaccination protection across several regions.
BARMM recorded the highest number of vaccinated and protected children at 511,321 (89%), leaving 65,909 still unvaccinated.
CARAGA posted 230,789 vaccinated individuals (86%), with 38,506 still without protection.
This was followed by Region IX with 447,186 vaccinated (85%) and 76,520 unvaccinated.
Region X recorded 437,876 vaccinated (84%) and 85,743 unvaccinated, while Region XII reported 343,677 vaccinated (76%) and 107,573 unvaccinated.
Meanwhile, Region XI posted the lowest with 328,185 vaccinated (64%) and a relatively higher 184,824 unvaccinated population.
Overall, while several regions achieved coverage above 80%, gaps remain, particularly in Region XI and Region XII, where significant numbers of individuals are still unprotected against measles.
Across all regions, a total of 2,299,034 individuals were vaccinated and protected against measles compared to 559,075 individuals who remain unvaccinated.
Approximately 80.5% of the population has been vaccinated, while about 19.5% remains unvaccinated.
The MR-SIA initiative is implemented in Mindanao as part of the first phase of the nationwide campaign, while the second phase will cover Luzon and Visayas.
