DOH launches Mindanao-wide Ligtas Tigdas drive for children under five

The Department of Health launched Monday its Ligtas Tigdas vaccination campaign in Mindanao, targeting children aged six months to 59 months to protect them against measles (tigdas) and rubella (tigdas hangin).

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa personally led the rollout in General Santos City, marking the start of Phase 1 of the nationwide Supplemental Immunization Activity (SIA), which will run from January 19 to February 15, 2026. The campaign prioritizes children with zero or incomplete vaccination.

“Yung tao kailangan maganda ang nutrisyon, bakunado, at may primary care. At yun ang mga tututukan natin dito sa Mindanao,” he said during his keynote speech. 

(People need good nutrition, to be vaccinated, and to have access to primary care. These are what we are focusing on here in Mindanao.)

From January 1, 2025 to January 3, 2026, Mindanao recorded 2,172 measles cases, according to the DOH.

In response, the agency began Phase 1 of the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) across its Mindanao regions, targeting 2.8 million children aged six to 59 months.

Science-based vaccination push

Herbosa underscored that vaccination is a long-established and effective public health intervention, noting that measles vaccines have been used for decades.

“Matagal na pong ginagamit. 1960s pa nagpabakuna na tayo sa Pindas. Hindi po ito bagong bakuda,” he noted. 

(This has been used for a long time. We have been vaccinating against measles since the 1960s. This is not a new vaccine.)

Drawing from his experience as a physician, the health chief stressed the real-life consequences of missed immunization.

He expressed that the Health Department aims to reach a 95% immunization rate among eligible children. Vitamin A supplements will also be given during the campaign to support vision and strengthen immunity.

“Vaccines are safe. Vaccines are effective. Vaccination saves lives.”

Nationwide effort, local support

Herbosa emphasized that the campaign’s success depends on strong cooperation between the national government and local leaders, as well as the support of international partners such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Herbosa also noted that the vaccination drive follows the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to bring health services closer to communities, especially in Mindanao.

The DOH chief also cited the agency’s P448-billion budget for 2026, the highest in its history, saying funding should no longer be a barrier to preventive care.

“Ang Department of Health ko, third highest budget kami… P448 billion. The highest budget ever of the Department of Health in its history.”

(The Department of Health now has the third highest budget among agencies—P448 billion, the highest in the department’s history.)

Call to parents and health workers

Herbosa paid tribute to health workers and urged parents to have their children vaccinated.

“To our parents and caregivers, kayo ang tunay na bayani (you are true heroes). Your willingness to bring the children to the nearest health center and have them vaccinated is an act of love and courage,” he added.

The DOH said after Mindanao, the Ligtas Tigdas campaign will roll out in the Visayas and Luzon, reiterating its commitment that no child will be left behind in the national immunization drive. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News