Chiong says no vaccine hesitation seen in Naga as CV intensifies measles-rubella drive

Local

NAGA City Mayor Valdemar Chiong said the city has not encountered significant vaccine hesitation or complaints as health authorities intensify the measles-rubella vaccination campaign across Central Visayas.

Asked by media on Wednesday, Aug. 19, if he had observed residents refusing or resisting vaccination, Chiong said he had not received reports of opposition to the program.

“Wala ko kadungog og pagdili. Hopefully, nagsige sila. Wala man sad reklamo (“I haven’t heard of any opposition. Hopefully, they will continue. There haven’t been any complaints either),” Chiong said.

He said barangay officials serve as a key link in monitoring concerns from residents, adding that he can directly coordinate with barangay captains if feedback arises.

The mayor also encouraged residents to participate not only in the measles-rubella campaign but in other government immunization and health programs available in their communities.

He pointed to the presence of health workers, nurses and midwives in barangays, as well as regular visits by doctors, as mechanisms that allow residents to access basic healthcare services closer to their homes.

Chiong said he has also tapped companies through their corporate social responsibility initiatives to support community health efforts.

His comments come as the Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH-7) and the Cebu Provincial Government continue the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity from August 10 to 28.

The campaign targets around 630,000 children aged six months to five years in Central Visayas, with eligible children in Cebu and Bohol being prioritized.

In Cebu, the campaign is being carried out as “Ligtas Tigdas 2026,” with vaccination activities conducted in provincial and municipal health facilities as well as communities and barangays.

In a previous government media forum, Dr. Faith Curaraton, DOH-7 Regional National Immunization Program medical coordinator, said the supplemental vaccination is meant to provide children with additional protection against measles and rubella.

She stressed that the vaccines are free, safe and effective.

The campaign is being supported by the Cebu Provincial Government through its health personnel and facilities.

Gov. Pamela Baricuatro earlier issued Executive Order No. 40 creating the Provincial Immunization Task Force to strengthen coordination among government agencies and local government units.

Sixteen provincial and district hospitals, along with rural health units, are being used as vaccination sites. Barangay health workers are also helping identify eligible children and facilitate their registration.

The intensified campaign follows a 32-percent increase in measles and rubella cases nationwide in 2025, with 73 percent of reported cases involving unvaccinated children.(MyTVCebu)