The Iloilo City Government and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Thursday, December 11, 2025, for the “Back to Bakuna” project, which aims to increase childhood vaccination rates through behavioral science strategies.
Mayor Raisa Treñas, together with Dr. Mary Ann Poli-Diaz (City Health Officer), Maricar Angeles (RMHC Executive Director), and Christian Jay Tandoy (RMHC Assistant Manager), officially signed the agreement.
“Vaccines are very important for our children. One of the challenges we face is that some of them are unable to complete their vaccination schedules, and we know that with the right vaccines, our children will be protected. Through this partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities and AHAI Behavioral Design, I hope that Ilonggo children will be safe and secure, especially as we work to increase the percentage of vaccinated children,” said Mayor Raisa.
“We’re trying to improve vaccination rates, especially for HPV vaccine, which is currently the lowest in Iloilo City. With this partnership, we hope to protect children and women, and make Iloilo healthier and happier,” she added.
“Kon mas madamo ang magpabakuna, mas mataas ang aton vaccination coverage — kag mas safe ang aton komunidad,” she concluded.
This initiative focuses on reducing barriers to vaccination by addressing real-life challenges that prevent children from completing their routine doses, even when supplies, schedules, and health workers are already in place. Through behavioral interventions and social marketing techniques, “Back to Bakuna” aims to help more Ilonggo children stay on track with their pediatric vaccines.
