Dr. Rufhaida Aunal together with Health Education and Promotion Officer Bernardita Hontucan of CHO discussed in detail the roll-out including the requirements and process of pediatric vaccination which began on February 16 at four 4 vaccination sites, namely: Infante Hospital, BASCOM Hospital, Isabela East Central Elementary School, and Basilan General Hospital.

According to Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, “The main purpose of this meeting is for all queries of our parents and teachers on pediatric vaccination to be answered by authorities like our doctors and nurses.” She added that the activity was an essential conversation among parents and medical personnel to convince and encourage them to submit their children for vaccination.

During the open forum, parents raised the issue on the prevalence of fake news on social media. For this, the Local Chief Executive pointed that fake news can only be fought by sticking to the facts and figures. “With more than 800 children vaccinated in the last 3 days in Isabela City, Alhamdulillah, everyone is so far healthy and safe,” she said.

With regards to the opening of limited face-to-face classes in the city, the City Government will still study which schools may be permitted to open soon. The number of vaccinated individuals per barangay shall definitely be one of the bases for the implementation of limited face-to-face classes to ensure the safety of learners as well as their parents. “Magiging ligtas lamang ang bawat isa, kung ligtas na ang lahat,” Mayor Hataman emphasized.

DepEd-Isabela City represented by Division Nurse Joy Luzon, expressed its commitment in supporting the local government’s efforts on pediatric vaccination. She furthered the importance of slowly going back to normal for the children particularly on the opening of schools. The agency has already been preparing for protective measures, hygiene measures and safety protocols for such. PTA Federation President Mark Barandino also echoed this along with the other members of the said federation who also pledged their part in the efforts of the local government on the rollout of the pediatric vaccination campaign.