THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region formally recognized the City Government of Laoag for achieving an outstanding 90% coverage rate in the administration of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine among 9-14 years old eligible school-aged girls during the national launching of the “National Bakuna Eskwela” campaign held on September 30, 2025 in Laoag City.
The event marked a major milestone in the region’s public health efforts and highlighted Laoag City as a model of successful local government and health sector collaboration.
DOH – Ilocos Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco presented the plaque of recognition to Mayor James Bryan Q. Alcid and the City Health Office, applauding Laoag City’s strong commitment to preventive health and vaccine outreach.
“Achieving 90% HPV vaccination coverage is no small feat. Laoag City has demonstrated what can be accomplished when local leaders, health workers, schools, and communities work hand in hand to protect our children,” Sydiongco stated.
She urged other local government units to follow Laoag’s example and ramp up their immunization efforts, particularly against vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, and HPV.
The HPV vaccine, which protects against cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases, is a vital part of the routine immunization schedule for girls aged 9 to 14, including the screening for breast and cervical cancer for eligible adults. Laoag City’s success was attributed to strong advocacy campaigns, school-based vaccination drives, and the proactive involvement of barangay health workers and educators.
Mayor James Bryan Q. Alcid thanked the DOH for the recognition and reaffirmed the city’s dedication to health promotion:
“This recognition belongs to our people — our health workers, teachers, parents, and students — who believed in the power of vaccines to save lives. We will continue to support programs that invest in the health of our youth.”
The recognition comes as part of DOH’s intensified “National Bakuna Eskwela” campaign, which aims to raise routine immunization coverage across the country by bringing vaccines directly to schools and communities.
About the Author
