President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. on Tuesday nudged parents to have their children vaccinated against measles, rubella, and polio.

In a video uploaded on Marcos’ official Facebook page, he emphasized that it is crucial for parents to accompany and protect their children in the widespread measles-rubella, and polio immunization.

“Bilang mga magulang, nasa atin ang responsibilidad na proteksyunan ang ating mga anak laban sa sakit,” Marcos said.

The Department of Health (DOH) launched “Chikiting Ligtas”, a month-long program aimed to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.

The goal of the nationwide program is to vaccinate at least 95% of the total population of children from ages 0 to 59 months against polio, and children ages 9 to 59 months against measles and rubella.

“Libre, ligtas at epektibo ang mga bakunang ito, kaya wala kayong dapat ikabahala,” Marcos added.

The President encouraged parents to take part in the DOH’s immunization campaign, assuring them that the vaccine is free, safe, and effective.

Around 67 million children globally missed out on routine immunization between 2019 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

The Philippines ranked 2nd in the highest number of children with zero doses in East Asia and topped as fourth in the world.

Written By Ailah Francisco, DZRH News Online Intern