As the holiday season approaches, the cooler weather brought by the “Amihan,” or northeast monsoon, increases the risk of contracting the influenza virus. In response, the Raising Awareness on Influenza to Support Elderlies (RAISE) Coalition, along with various government agencies, medical groups, and civil society organizations came together to bring the “Protektadong Pasko Laban sa Flu” event to Candaba, Pampanga. The initiative highlighted the importance of flu vaccination in protecting seniors from life-threatening complications and offered them the gift of health this Christmas.
The event provided free flu vaccinations to 500 senior citizens, alongside a lively Zumba session and a town hall discussion on preventive healthcare. These activities aimed to engage the community and address the low vaccination rate among Filipino seniors. Recent data shows that only 36.3% of adults aged 60 and older are vaccinated against influenza, despite the flu being a leading cause of mortality in this age group.
“The flu is not just a simple cough, cold, or fever; it can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, stroke, or heart attack. Those who are already ill are often the most hesitant to get vaccinated, when in fact, they need it the most,” said Dr. Maria Cristina Alberto, Board Member of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination.
Dr. Eric Tayag, Past President and Advisor of PFV, added, “Vaccines should be given annually. We urge not just Pampanga, but the entire country, to speed up vaccination efforts to ensure the safety and health of our citizens.”
This call to action was supported by Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa in a video message saying, “Ang flu ay maaaring magdulot ng malubhang komplikasyon, lalo na sa matatanda, ngunit ito ay naiiwasan sa pamamagitan ng taunang pagpapabakuna. Hinihikayat ko po ang mga seniors na magpabakuna. Huwag na po tayong maghintay na magkasakit bago kumilos.”
Adding her voice, Congresswoman Dr. Anna York Bondoc of Pampanga’s 4th District, a dedicated health advocate, expressed her support for the cause. “Bilang isang pulmonologist at policymaker, dahil isa po ito sa aking mga adbokasiya, inaanyayahan ko po ang lahat ng seniors sa Candaba, sa buong Kuatro Distrito, at sa Pampanga na magpabakuna para maprotektahan at mapanatili ang malusog na kalusugan. We need to protect our beloved seniors because minamahal po kayo and we care for you,” she shared.
Building on the success of her #BakunaNiDrAnna initiative, which has provided flu vaccines to over 1,200 seniors in Macabebe and San Luis, Congresswoman Bondoc partnered with the RAISE Coalition to extend these efforts to Candaba. Her leadership underscores her commitment to making the health and well-being of senior citizens in her district a top priority.
Experts at the event emphasized the critical role of senior vaccination as the Philippines transitions into an aging society by 2030. Undersecretary Glenn Mathew G. Baggao of the DOH Public Health Services Cluster concluded, “Vaccinating against the flu gives our community the chance to protect our loved ones. Health is a shared responsibility—not just of our health workers and government agencies, but of the entire community.”
The event was supported by DILG Region III’s Engr. Lee Allen B. Pineda, along with health officials and local leaders, including Dr. Primitiva Manimbo, Dr. Margie Patawaran, and Province of Pampanga Board Members Dr. Kaye Naguit and Engr. Nestor Tolentino, emphasizing the importance of a whole-of-society effort to protect seniors.
Since its launch in 2022 in Pasay City, the RAISE Coalition has expanded its advocacy efforts to other areas, including Las Piñas, Quezon City, Carmona, San Fernando, and Bacoor, Cavite. These roadshows have not only promoted the life-saving benefits of flu vaccination but also fostered stronger partnerships with communities and local governments.
Looking ahead, the RAISE Coalition aims to strengthen its partnerships with more Local Government Units (LGUs) and legislative allies. A key focus will be advocating for revisions to the Expanded Senior Citizens Act to ensure all Filipino seniors have access to life-saving vaccines and healthcare services, leaving no one vulnerable to preventable diseases.
