THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region, in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), officially launched the “National Bakuna Eskwela” campaign on September 30, 2025, at the Balatong Integrated School in Laoag City, bringing renewed momentum to the government’s efforts to improve vaccination coverage among school-aged children.
The “National Bakuna Eskwela” aims to ensure that all eligible learners are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases by making routine and catch-up immunization services accessible in school settings. The campaign supports DOH’s broader goal of achieving universal immunization coverage and preventing outbreaks, especially among vulnerable school-aged populations.
“The health and safety of our children are our top priorities. Through the “Bakuna Eskwela”, we bring free vaccines to our learners including Measles, Rubella, Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Ito ang magbibigay sa kanila ng proteksyon laban sa mga sakit na maaaring makapinsala sa kanilang kalusugan,” Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco stated in her keynote address.
As part of the launch, medical teams from Laoag City Health Office provided on-site vaccination services, health education sessions for parents and students, and distributed information materials to encourage continued vaccine confidence.
Free Measles and Rubella vaccines were given to Grade 1 and Grade 7 students including Tetanus-Diphtheria (Td) while the HPV Vaccine was given to eligible Grade 4 female students.
A total of 26 grade 1 learners and 82 grade 7 learners were vaccinated during the kick-off event.
Laoag City Mayor James Bryan Q. Alcid, commended the inter-agency effort, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in safeguarding public health:
“Our children deserve to be protected not just inside the classroom, but beyond. This program ensures they receive the health services they need to thrive.”
The regional office encourages parents, guardians, and school officials across the region to support the initiative and ensure that children are up to date with their immunizations.
The campaign will continue across various provinces and municipalities in the coming weeks, with mobile vaccination teams visiting schools and communities.
