The 21st Davao City Council expressed its support to the Measles-Rubella Supplementary Immunization Activity (MRSIA) spearheaded by the Department of Health, in partnership with the Davao City Health Office (CHO).
On January 19 to February 13, 2026, the DOH and the CHO will conduct a city-wide SIA, offering free Measles-Rubella vaccines for children aged 6 to 59 months old.
City Councilor Potpot Villafuerte, in her Privilege Speech on Monday, called on parents, guardians, and caregivers of children to participate in the activity and have their children vaccinated against these viral diseases.
“Vaccination is proven safe and effective, and is a moral responsibility we owe to our children,” she said.
Measles and Rubella are viral diseases that can be prevented through vaccination.
Dr. Annaliza Malubay, CHO’s National Immunization Program Medical Coordinator, told the City Information Office on Monday that it is important to have children vaccinated during the SIA as this serves as booster for the vaccine they received during routine immunization activities.
“Mas mapakusgan nato ang proteksyon sa mga bata against sa measles and to prevent possible outbreak (The supplemental immunization serves as booster to the vaccine that children received during the routine immunization, thereby strengthening the protection of children against measles and rubella),” she said.
She explained that although measles is more contagious and severe than rubella, the risk lies when a pregnant woman acquires the disease.
Rubella infection in pregnant women may cause fetal death or congenital defects such as hearing impairment, eye and heart defects, and other lifelong disabilities.
In line with the DOH and the CHO’s thrust to strengthen vaccination among children, Councilor Villafuerte also urged barangay captains and the barangay councils to lead in cascading information to the grassroots level.
On January 13, the CHO and DOH will conduct an orientation with all 182 barangays on the importance of the MRSIA.
“It is a crucial step to fully mobilize our barangays to ensure accurate information and reach every household,” Villafuerte said.
Daycare centers, child development centers, and child-minding facilities are also urged to encourage parents to have their children vaccinated.
Dabawenyos may avail of the free MRSIA at the CHO’s district health center and barangay health centers. CIO
Written by: J. Villaluz
Edited by: A. Nawal
