19/01/2026
LOOK | MRSIA Launching and Kick-Off Ceremony
January 19, 2026 | Wao, Lanao del Sur
The Integrated Provincial Health Office – Lanao del Sur, under the leadership of Provincial Health Officer Dr. Alinader D. Minalang, successfully conducted the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MRSIA) Launching and Kick-Off Ceremony in Wao, Lanao del Sur.
The activity formally marked the start of the MRSIA implementation in the province, highlighting the health sector’s strong commitment to strengthening public health programs and services. The event was attended by parents and their children together with our doctors, nurses, midwives, and other health workers across the municipality.
As part of the launching activity, a motorcade was conducted by IPHO-LDS together with doctors and health workers to raise public awareness and encourage community participation in the program. The motorcade passed through key areas of the municipality, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and collective community support.
The program commenced with an opening remarks from Dr. Emelyn Alvarez, Municipal Health Officer of Wao. This was followed by a message of support from Hon. Elvino Balicao, Jr., Municipal Mayor of Wao, who emphasized the importance of protecting children’s health through immunization and expressed the local government’s full support for the program.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Alinader D. Minalang delivered an encouraging message, highlighting the importance of vaccination in preventing measles and rubella. He urged parents to ensure that children aged 6 to 59 months are fully vaccinated, stressing that healthy children lead to a healthy community, and a healthy community brings progress to the municipality. He also called on everyone to work together to ensure the success of the MRSIA.
Hon. Elvino Balicao Jr., Municipal Mayor of Wao, underscored the importance of collective responsibility in protecting children’s health. “The health of our children is a shared responsibility. Through the MRSIA, we are ensuring that no child in Wao is left vulnerable to preventable diseases. The Municipal Government fully supports this program because a healthy child is the foundation of a strong and progressive community.” He stated.
A ceremonial vaccination was conducted to symbolize the official start of the vaccination campaign in the municipality. A total of 178 children aged 6–59 months were vaccinated and were also administered Vitamin A supplementation on site.
The Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Leo Johncel P. Sancebutche highly emphasized the implementation on full circle to protect the very genetic pool of the future, our children!
