DOH Bicol Strengthens Public Health Initiatives on Immunization, Blood Donation, and PuroKalusugan Drive

The Department of Health (DOH) Bicol Center for Health Development (CHD) is enhancing public health across the region by prioritizing key initiatives, including expanded immunization coverage, increased voluntary blood donation, and the implementation of the PuroKalusugan (PK) program.

The department aims to pursue interconnected initiatives to prevent the spread of diseases and extend the accessibility of health services to far-flung areas across the six provinces of Bicol.

Dr. Gladys Escote, Chief of the Local Health Support Division at DOH Bicol CHD, emphasized the importance of addressing these vital health concerns and implementing strategies for more equitable health outcomes.

“Through the immunization program, increased access to healthcare services, public health education, and disease prevention campaigns, multiple health disparities have been overcome, leading to a better quality of life,” Escote said.

Strengthening the Immunization Program

On April 2, the National Immunization Program (NIP) of DOH Bicol, in collaboration with the Bicol Regional Immunization Council, set an ambitious target of 95 percent coverage for fully immunized children (FIC). This initiative aims to combat potentially life-threatening diseases such as measles and rubella and build a more resilient health system.

However, recent data from the 2023 Field Health Services Information System (FHSIS) of the Epidemiology Bureau indicate that the Bicol Region achieved only about 68 percent coverage for measles vaccination among the eligible population.

As of March 29, surveillance data from 2023 to 2025 revealed: ten (10) laboratory-confirmed measles cases; five (5) laboratory-confirmed rubella cases; 15 clinically or measles-compatible cases; and a case fatality rate (CFR) of 2.3 percent, reported in 2024.

In response to the increasing cases of measles, the CHD has launched an intensified immunization campaign, targeting 65 to 95 percent of infants and children aged 9–23 months in each barangay, municipality, or city to receive the measles-containing vaccine (MCV).

Dr. Desiree Bricenio, Medical Officer and Regional Program Manager of NIP DOH Bicol, urged parents and guardians not to fear vaccines, affirming that they are proven effective and based on thorough scientific research.

“For those seeking more information, we encourage the public to visit their nearest health centers and speak with healthcare workers, BHWs, midwives, or nurses assigned in their areas,” she added.

Blood Saves Lives

The critical role of blood donation was also highlighted in ensuring a stable and sufficient blood supply—essential for saving lives.

“Our annual target for blood donation is 1% of the total population. In 2024, our nation exceeded this target, achieving a commendable 1.26 percent,” Escote shared.

“This accomplishment reflects the collective commitment of our citizens to ensure safe blood is available for those in need.”

Nicole Anne Bejo, a nurse and donor recruitment officer at the Bicol South Luzon – Subnational Reference Laboratory, stressed the life-saving impact of donating blood.

“One blood donation can save up to three lives,” she said.

“Akala natin, isang buhay lang ang masi-save natin. But by donating one blood unit, we can potentially save up to three lives.”

Bejo clarified that availing blood is a facility-to-facility process. Only hospitals or blood service facilities can request and receive blood. Individuals in need of blood should be referred to these facilities.

She also presented data showing an increasing trend in blood unit collection from 2021 to 2024, thanks to the efforts of partners, stakeholders, and media conducting mobile blood donation drives.

Despite this increase, the demand for blood continues to rise due to a growing number of patients and dialysis centers, as well as monthly open-heart surgeries, particularly between January and February this year.

Health Access for Unserved and Underserved Communities

To broaden access to essential health services, the department is intensifying its efforts through the PuroKalusugan (PK)program. This strategy aims to deliver responsive health services, strengthen local health systems, and achieve equitable and effective outcomes—especially for unserved and underserved communities.

According to Yolanda Almonguera, a nurse and head of the Health Systems Development Unit, around 11.8 million Filipinos across 7,068 barangays face poor health conditions. The PK program focuses on these communities, emphasizing health promotion, wellness, and nutrition aligned with eight priority health outcomes.

The PK program will be implemented in 342 cities or municipalities across the region in 2025 and has identified 451 target sites as of March 12.

Almonguera explained the program’s approach: “Isa siyang primary health care strategy. Direct na naipoprovide sa mga kabarangay o community ang services. Also, it is a multi-society or whole-of-society approach, requiring coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders in the community.”

The official launch of PuroKalusugan took place on January 21 in Brgy. Sta. Isabel, Matnog, Sorsogon. Subsequent launches have also been held in various barangays.

The program includes activities such as house-to-house visits (often involving senior citizens), health profiling, risk assessments through dental consultations, and health awareness campaigns.