Baguio city: The Philippine Statistics Authority-Cordillera Administrative Region (PSA-CAR) has logged a 71 percent full vaccination rate of basic vaccines among children in the region. 'The data was obtained from respondents who were visited from their homes and were asked whether children in their families aged zero to five years old,' said PSA-CAR chief statistical specialist Aldrin Bahit during the 2025 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) briefing here.
According to Philippines News Agency, these include one dose of BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Gu©rin) against tuberculosis, three doses of DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), three doses of anti-polio vaccine, and one dose of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. He said the vaccination statistics "do not disaggregate whether the vaccination was done in a government facility or by a private medical professional."
The survey also showed that 54.4 percent of children aged 12 to 23 months are fully vaccinated according to the national schedule and were provided with basic antigens, birth dose of Hepatitis B vaccine, two doses of IPV (inactivated poliovirus vaccine), three doses of PCV (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine), and one dose of MMR vaccine.
Bahit also reported a decline in mortality among children under five, from 13 deaths to 12 deaths per 1,000 live births. Infant mortality remained steady at 10 deaths, while neonatal mortality posted the largest decrease, from 10 deaths to seven. In 1998, the region recorded mortality rates of 52, 43, and 19 deaths per 1,000 live births among children under five, infants, and newborns, respectively. He attributed the decrease to improved vaccination campaigns, better health services, and increased awareness among parents and guardians.
Meanwhile, Dr. Anachris Kilakil, chief licensing officer of the Department of Health-Cordillera, said various factors contribute to child mortality. She admitted that deaths among children in the age group still occur but said interventions, services, and resource improvements are helping address the problem, as reflected in the survey results.
'For infant mortality or those before reaching the first birthday, the most common causes are infectious causes, while death occurring among the children below one month old is due to congenital abnormalities or complications of the conditions seen upon birth,' she said. She said the DOH has the Field Health Surveillance Information System (FHSIS) to monitor that all services provided to constituents in terms of health are monitored.
During the NDHS briefing, Kilakil highlighted the case of 'Liza,' a 27-year-old first-time mother who sought treatment at Conner District Hospital in Apayao. 'Liza is a resident of a far-flung barangay in Kabugao. She arrived at the emergency room because of labor pains. What initially appeared to be an ordinary admission quickly turned into a medical emergency because her blood pressure was dangerously high and her baby was in distress. She required an emergency caesarean operation. In the process, she suddenly had a seizure, which for a pregnant woman poses high dangers, including to her baby. The medical professional acted swiftly, they stabilized her, prepared for the worst scenario, and proceeded with the operation with the woman on life support. After hours, she regained her consciousness, she survived, her baby survived.'
She shared that Liza returned home to Kabugao a month before her expected delivery after spending most of her pregnancy in Metro Manila caring for her grandmother and missing prenatal checkups. She also said that 'Liza' only had an ultrasound, which, according to her partner, was the only thing she needed in her pregnancy. It was only in Apayao that she received her prenatal check-up a month before giving birth.
Kilakil said Liza's story demonstrates that government hospitals have the logistics, manpower, and capability to save critically ill patients. Meanwhile, PSA-CAR director Villafe Alibuyog said survey results would guide regional policymakers in addressing urgent demographic and health concerns. 'This comprehensive report captures the critical shifts in our region's demographic landscapes, fertility trends, maternal and child healthcare, family planning, and socio-economic well-being. She added that the shifting trends serve as blueprint for action,' she said.
