A child is being vaccinated with an oral anti-polio and measles vaccine at Barangay 183 in Villamor Pasay City, during the Department of Health’s “Chikiting Ligtas” Vaccine Supplemental Immunization on May 2, 2023. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA -- Malacanang on Wednesday reminded parents to have their children vaccinated against diseases amid a reported increase in measles cases in Metro Manila and other areas in the country. 

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro says government has initiated efforts to bring free immunization closer to communities through its ongoing “Bakunahan sa Purok ni Juan” program this month. 

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“Ito po iyong measles catch up immunization campaign at sa selected LGUs po dito sa Metro Manila at ito’y ginaganap na po, March 17 up to 28. So, kung ang kababayan po natin ay may mga panahon, punta lamang po sila sa mga health centers at maia-avail po nila itong pagbabakuna especially po sa sinasabi nating tigdas,” Castro said. 

“Ito po ha, sabihin ko po iyong mga lugar, punta lamang po sila sa health centers: Caloocan, Quezon City, Taguig, sa Manila, Mandaluyong at Las Piñas. At sa iba pang mga LGUs po ay gagawin po ito sa second quarter of 2025 so punta lamang po kayo sa health centers ngayon para sa pagpapabakuna ng inyong mga anak,” she said. 

According to the DOH, 922 measles-rubella cases have been recorded from January 1 to March 1 this year, a 35 percent increase from the 683 cases logged in the same period in 2024.

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