The Provincial Immunization Summit (PIS) 2025, held on July 31, 2025, at the 3K Hotel in Santiago City, Isabela, brought together public health leaders and key stakeholders from Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino provinces to address pressing challenges in immunization coverage, particularly the growing number of zero- dose children, or those who have not received a single vaccine. The summit was meant for mobilizing multi-sectoral action and community- driven strategies to close immunization gaps and improve health outcomes across the region.
The event was formally opened by Dir. Amelita M. Pangilinan, Regional Director of Department of Health- Cagayan Valley, and was attended by representatives from DOH, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine National Police (PNP), Provincial Jail, Municipal Health Offices (MHOs), and several Local Chief Executives (LCEs), including the Mayors of Dupax del Norte, Sta. Fe, and Quezon. The theme, “United in Action to Ensure Complete Vaccination,” emphasized collective accountability in delivering life-saving vaccines to all.
Dr. Madonna A. Añabieza, Immunization Officer from United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), underscored the global impact of vaccines, noting that immunization currently saves 4.4 million lives annually and aims to reach 5.8 million by 2030 under the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA 2030).” She stressed that success depends not only on vaccine access, but on reaching every child, especially those in underserved communities. “Health workers must go to them,” she said, underlining the need to bring services closer to people.
From the DOH-Central Office, Mr. Romeo D. Catbagan Jr. focused on the importance of legal frameworks and cold chain infrastructure in ensuring vaccine effectiveness. Emphasizing community responsibility and strong leadership, he stated, “Vaccines don’t save lives. What saves lives? Vaccination does.” This reminder reinforced the call for active participation from all sectors in driving demand and ensuring follow- through.
The summit also featured success stories and data presentations. Dr. Edvir Jane S. Montaner, Immunization Program Medical Manager of DOH- SOCCSKSARGEN Center for Health Development, shared insights from Region XII’s SOCCSKSARGEN Regional Immunization Coalition (SRIC), a muti-sectoral partnership model that could be replicated to strengthen immunization governance in other regions. Locally, Dr. Jaquelin C. Yuaga, Immunization Program Manager of DOH- Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development, presented the Regional Immunization Situation, mentioning the region’s ideal immunization rate of 47.5%, while Ms. Ranee C. Ganacias- Duro, Immunization Program Manager- Province of Nueva Vizcaya, proudly reported that as of 2025, the province has no reported cases of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), pointing to the impact of local health initiatives.
One such initiative is the deployment of mobile health clinics in Nueva Vizcaya, directed by Governor Atty. Jose “Jing” V. Gambito. When there is availability of vaccines, these mobile units bring vaccines and essential health services directly to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA), providing a scalable solution to reach zero-dose children and strengthen immunization equity across the province.
The summit concluded with a strong call to action, achieving full immunization coverage requires more than vaccine availability. It depends on visionary leadership, robust community engagement, innovative local solutions, and sustained collaboration across all levels of government and civil society. With unceasing commitment, the goal of reaching every child with life-saving vaccines is not only urgent, but entirely achievable. #jmcb
[This article was initially created on Facebook – Vizcaya Reporter. For PLGU-Nueva Vizcaya updates, visit: https://www.facebook.com/vizcayareporter]
