Sagay City launched its 2026 School-Based Immunization Program bringing free vaccines directly to learners to strengthen their protection against measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and human papillomavirus or HPV at Lopez Jaena Elementary School in Brgy. Lopez Jaena, Monday, Nov. 9.
Under the Bakuna Eskwela program, Grade 1 and Grade 7 learners are targeted for Measles-Rubella (MR) and Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) vaccines, while Grade 4 female learners and Grade 5 girls who have not yet received their HPV vaccination are covered for HPV protection, a press release from Sagay City said Wednesday.
The vaccination is implemented through the partnership of the City Government of Sagay, City Health Office, Department of Education Schools Division of Sagay City, schools, barangays, parents, and healthcare workers.
National Immunization Program Coordinator Anna Rhea Santiago of the Sagay City Primary Care Facility said the school-based vaccination initiative has been implemented locally since 2015 as part of continuing efforts to protect children against vaccine-preventable diseases.
She said the vaccines provide protection against measles, rubella, tetanus and diphtheria, while HPV vaccination helps protect girls against HPV infection, which can lead to cervical cancer.
Mayor Leo Rafael “Bebo” M. Cueva said the program forms part of the city’s goal of ensuring that Sagaynon children grow up in a healthy environment where they can learn well and have better opportunities in life.
“Our dream for Sagay is to have a healthy population and a healthy environment. We want to make sure that our children can learn well, grow healthy, and have a better life. The health programs we implement every year are all intended to prepare and protect our children as they grow,” Cueva said.
He thanked the Sangguniang Panlungsod led by Vice Mayor Narciso L. Javelosa Jr., including Councilors Eddie Lobaton Jr. and Dr. Mel Alexis Serondo, for supporting the city’s health programs and approving funding requirements for services proposed by the City Health Office.
Cueva also recognized City Health Officer Dr. Oscar Jimenea and the city’s health workers, saying Sagay’s continuing health programs depend on the cooperation of healthcare personnel, barangay officials, schools, and families.
“None of these programs will succeed without the support of our parents. Their consent and cooperation are very important, together with the work of our barangay officials, school heads, teachers, and health workers,” the mayor said.
Councilor Dr. Mel Alexis T. Serondo, chairperson of the SP Committee on Health, said that vaccination is primarily about protecting children before they become vulnerable to preventable illnesses.
“Vaccination is protection. Through this program, we are protecting our children as early as their school years. The Mayor, Vice Mayor, Sangguniang Panlungsod and the entire City Government will continue supporting programs that protect the health and welfare of every child,” Serondo said.
He also thanked parents who gave their consent for their children to be vaccinated.
“When our Sagaynon children are healthy, that in itself is already a victory. We thank our parents for trusting the program and allowing us to give their children this added protection,” he added.
Dr. Dominique Cheung-Diamante, Medical Officer III of the DepEd School Health and Nutrition Unit, acknowledged the partnership between DepEd and the City Government in carrying out health programs for learners.
“DepEd cannot do this alone. We greatly appreciate the support of the City Government of Sagay. Health programs face many challenges, but the LGU has continuously supported the needs of our learners,” Cheung-Diamante said.
She also reassured parents that vaccines used under the program undergo extensive study and safety evaluation before being administered.
“These vaccines were developed to help protect our children. They have undergone years of study and significant investment to ensure their safety and effectiveness,” she said.
The Department of Health’s school-based immunization guidelines require parental or guardian consent before vaccination.
The program aims to reduce the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases among schoolchildren while restoring and strengthening routine immunization coverage in schools.
Following the Lopez Jaena launch, vaccination teams are expected to continue bringing the program to eligible learners in schools across Sagay City.*
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