Bacoor City
RAISE COALITION MARKS 2ND ANNIVERSARY WITH FLU VACCINATION EVENT FOR AROUND 500 SENIORS IN BACOOR CITY, CAVITE
November 29, 2024, Bacoor City, Cavite
As the holiday season approaches and the country braces for more frequent typhoons, the Raising Awareness on Influenza to Support Elderlies (RAISE) Coalition celebrated its second anniversary this November with a health advocacy event in Bacoor, Cavite. Organized in partnership with government agencies, medical groups, and civil society organizations, the event highlighted the importance of flu vaccination in safeguarding senior citizens from life-threatening complications.
The celebration featured free flu vaccinations for around 500 senior citizens, a lively Zumba exercise, and a town hall session highlighting the importance of preventive healthcare.
Marking the second anniversary of the RAISE Coalition, the event highlighted significant achievements and the critical role of partnerships in advancing senior health. Dr. Maria Rosario Capeding, President of the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) and RAISE Convenor, stressed the importance of vaccination for older adults, stating, “At this age, humihina ang resistensya ng ating mga seniors, and vaccines protect us from complications common in senior citizens. Just imagine how many seniors are susceptible to the flu. We all agree that flu vaccination is vital.”
Bacoor City Mayor Strike B. Revilla expressed his gratitude saying, “We are grateful to the Department of Health (DOH) for providing flu vaccines to our Bacooreno lolo’s and lola’s. This holiday season, we are proud to give the gift of health—‘Protektadong Pasko laban sa flu’—to our Caviteño senior citizens. Ang city government of Bacoor ay hindi titigil sa aming vaccination campaign at sa pagsuporta sa adbokasiya ng RAISE Coalition.”
Adding her voice, Cavite Congresswoman Lani Mercado-Revilla stressed the dangers of flu-related complications. She emphasized, “Huwag po nating mamaliitin ang flu. Kapag tinamaan ng sipon, ubo, at lagnat ang ating mga senior citizens, maaari itong magresulta sa komplikasyon gaya ng pneumonia, na maaaring ikamatay. Kaya napakahalaga ng programang ito. Let’s continue to prioritize the health of our elderly.”
On the national level, DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, in a video message, encouraged seniors to prioritize their health saying, “Hinihikayat ko po kayong magpabakuna laban sa flu. Huwag na po tayong maghintay na magkasakit bago kumilos. Tandaan natin, sa Bagong Pilipinas, bawat buhay mahalaga.”
Undersecretary Glenn Mathew G. Baggao, from the DOH’s Public Health Services Cluster, emphasized the urgency of vaccination, stating, “Seasonal influenza causes severe illnesses worldwide, and people aged 65 and older face a higher risk of complications such as pneumonia or even heart attack. With our aging population projected to grow significantly, raising awareness about influenza and promoting vaccination as a preventive measure empowers our communities to protect our elderly loved ones from preventable illnesses.”
The event also underscored the importance of strong community support in protecting the health of senior citizens. Atty. Venus De Castro, Officer-in-Charge of the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs, highlighted how initiatives like information campaigns and training programs ensure that seniors receive the necessary vaccines and medicines, demonstrating the power of collective action in addressing their health needs.
Also present during the event were Dr. Maria Cristina Alberto, Consultant for Health and Education for Bacoor LGU and Founder of the Hope in Me Club, along with Maricel Dela Vega-Urdas and Airel Ampo from the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to improving senior health through meaningful partnerships.
Concluding the event, Dr. Lulu Bravo, Executive Director of the PFV and RAISE Convenor, expressed optimism for the coalition’s future saying, “Protecting our elderly is not just a responsibility; it’s a shared mission. Today’s efforts remind us that every vaccine administered brings us closer to building a healthier, more resilient aging society.”
The celebration in Bacoor commemorated two years of impactful advocacy by the RAISE Coalition, which was launched in Pasay City and has since held four LGU roadshows in Las Piñas, Quezon City, Carmona, and San Fernando. These efforts have united stakeholders to emphasize the life-saving importance of flu vaccinations and strengthen community partnerships.
Looking ahead, the RAISE Coalition plans to strengthen its collaboration with Local Government Units (LGUs) and legislative champions to advocate for revisions to the Expanded Senior Citizens Act. The goal is to ensure that no elderly Filipino is left vulnerable to preventable diseases, creating a future where every senior citizen has access to life-saving vaccines and healthcare services.