THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) reported on Monday that a total of 175,886 children have been immunized against measles-rubella under the Ligtas Tigdas supplemental activity since its rollout last Jan. 19.
The number represents only 34% out of the 337,123 children who need immunization in Davao Region. The program will run until Feb. 16, 2026.
Based on the Ligtas Tigdas Situation Report for Mindanao on Jan. 19–25, 2026, 1,096,585 children aged 6-59 months have been immunized for the entire island. The number represents 38.37% out of the total target number of kids to be immunized, which is 2,858,109.
In Caraga, vaccination coverage is higher, with 133,967 children (50%) vaccinated, nearly equal to the 135,328 who remain unvaccinated.
Meanwhile, several regions continue to have a large number of children without measles protection.
In Region IX, 214,749 children (41%) are vaccinated against measles, while a higher number, or 308,957, remain unvaccinated.
Region X also recorded 242,988 children (46%) immunized and 280,631 still without protection.
Region XII, on the other han,d reported 158,272 immunized children (35%) and 292,978 unprotected.
Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao posted the lowest turnout, where only 170,723 children (30%) are vaccinated, leaving a significantly larger number, 406,507without measles protection.
DOH Secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa urged mothers to get their children immunized to prevent contracting contagious diseases.
“Ang pagbabakuna isang paraan para hindi ma-ospital ang bata pag nagkasakit kasi pag bakunado sa tigdas, most likely hindi siya ma hospitalize,” Herbosa said.
According to the World Health Organization, measles and rubella are highly contagious, serious airborne diseases caused by a virus that can lead to severe complications and death. The agency stressed there is no cure for rubella, hence the need for vaccination.
