The Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) reaffirmed its commitment to support the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR SIA), set for implementation in June 2026 in Luzon including Metro Manila, during the High-Level Meeting held on February 24, 2026 at EDSA Shangri-La Manila. 

Spearheaded by the Department of Health – Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMCHD) with the participation of regional stakeholders and local government units across NCR, the meeting served as a platform to align regional priorities and strengthen coordination ahead of the Ligtas Tigdas Campaign, a nationwide initiative that combines measles-rubella vaccination with Vitamin A supplementation to protect children from severe illness and complications.

Health officials emphasized the urgency of the campaign, noting that approximately 1.2 million children aged 6–59 months in NCR are targeted for vaccination. The initiative aims to achieve at least 95% immunization coverage, interrupt measles transmission, and prevent potential outbreaks. Data presented during the meeting also highlighted that over 600,000 children in NCR remain vulnerable due to missed or incomplete immunization in the past five years.

Representing DILG NCR, Acting Division Chief Marda Alina R. Dumaoang-Acoba of the Local Government Monitoring and Evaluation Division underscored the critical role of barangays in community mobilization and early advocacy. She encouraged City and Municipal Health Offices to coordinate with Punong Barangays and Community Relations Offices to integrate MR SIA information campaigns into the upcoming Barangay Assemblies for the first semester scheduled on the weekends of March.

In line with strengthening grassroots readiness, meetings with Punong Barangays and Councilors for Health from selected high-risk and high-yield barangays are also scheduled from February 25 to 27, 2026 to further reinforce local coordination, advocacy, and operational preparedness for the campaign. City and Municipal Health Officers and partner stakeholders likewise expressed strong support for the initiative, committing to intensified inter-agency collaboration, microplanning, and community engagement strategies leading up to the June 2026 MR SIA rollout.