Kalinga earns regional award for strong MR-SIA rollout; “Salamat to all our partners,2nd tayo in CAR,”- PHO I Dr. Duyan

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Kalinga was recognized by the Department of Health-Cordillera (DOH-CAR) for its outstanding dedication and commitment to the successful implementation of the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA).

The Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO)-Kalinga received the commendation during the DOH-CAR Post-Implementation Review and Awarding Ceremony held on September 29, 2026 at Chateau De Maisons Suites in Baguio City.

The recognition placed Kalinga among the region’s notable performers in the MR-SIA rollout and highlighted the province’s efforts to improve immunization coverage despite challenges encountered during the campaign.

Provincial Health Officer I Dr. Marilyn Duyan credited the achievement to the collective efforts of health workers, local government units, partner agencies, media organizations, and other stakeholders.

She specifically acknowledged the contributions of the Philippine Pediatric Society-Kalinga Chapter, Philippine Red Cross-Kalinga Chapter, Department of Education, media partners, and other organizations that supported the campaign.

“Kayat ko ag pasalamat kin dagituy partners tayo especially dagituy health workers tayo pati metlang dagiyay LGU’s, media partners, Pediatric Society Kalinga chapter, Philippine Red Cross-Kalinga chapter, DepEd and other partners kasi despite jay challenges iti weather pati metlang dagiyay anti-vaxxers iti social media ket nahabol tayo jay last two weeks ket diyay na achieve tayo iti 2nd place among the region,” Duyan said.

Duyan said Kalinga initially ranked fifth in the region during the first two weeks of the vaccination campaign, but intensified efforts during the succeeding weeks allowed the province to improve its standing and finish second among the Cordillera provinces.

She expressed appreciation to the teams and partners who helped increase the province’s vaccination accomplishment despite weather-related challenges and misinformation encountered during the campaign.

Meanwhile, Tabuk City was also recognized for recording an 81.6 percent MR-SIA accomplishment rate alongside its Vitamin A supplementation activities.

The regional recognition highlights the importance of coordinated efforts among provincial and local health offices, health workers, schools, communities, and partner organizations in reaching eligible children and improving immunization coverage.

For Kalinga, the award serves as recognition of the collective work behind the province’s MR-SIA rollout and its continuing efforts to protect children from measles and rubella.