City Administrator Pedrito Eisma, representing Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, welcomed representatives from the Department of Health Central Office led by IMA World Health Organization Consultant Dr. Yolanda Oliveros, together with the Department of Health IX team headed by DMO IV Bryant Lavastida and AA II Joshua Camacho, on January 22 at Isabela City Hall. Also present was City Health Office NIP Coordinator Nirza Neri.
Isabela City currently leads Zamboanga Peninsula in the ongoing Ligtas Tigdas Measles–Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA), posting the highest coverage in the region at 33.19 percent as of January 21, 2026. The city has vaccinated 5,116 children out of its target of 15,414, outperforming all other LGUs just three days into the campaign.
Regionwide, 106,860 children have been vaccinated out of 523,706 eligible children, for an overall coverage of 20.40 percent. Isabela City’s performance is well above the regional average, reflecting strong mobilization and effective implementation at the local level.
The MR-SIA targets children aged 6 to 59 months and will run until February 13, 2026. The City Government of Isabela, under the leadership of Mayor Turabin-Hataman through the City Health Office, remains committed to sustaining its lead and ensuring that every eligible child is reached and protected against measles and rubella. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
