The Philippines had been free of polio for the preceding 19 years, but the 2019–2021 polio epidemic in the country placed children in danger of paralysis for life. Although polio has been nearly eradicated thanks to the polio vaccine, it still poses a threat to communities, especially those in rural regions where it is not present. Children in the Philippines are also at risk for measles, an infectious viral illness that causes fever and a red rash on the skin. Young children who have not received the measles vaccine are most at risk because measles interacts complexly with the immune system.

Given these circumstances, the Rural Health Unit (RHU) of Pinagbakahan, Malolos, Bulacan provided a comprehensive and primary health care service called “Chikiting Ligtas”. They administered polio and measles vaccinations to the children in their community last May 9, 2023 at the HAPI-Bulacan Headquarters, with the intention of reducing the likelihood of children contracting these diseases. A total of 60 kids, ranging in age from one to ten, received their vaccination shots.

The RHU needed a venue to conduct the vaccination and HAPI-Bulacan gladly stepped up. “As the world faces a crisis unlike any before, it is important to remember the value of serving humanity and the role that vaccines play in doing so,” said Mutya Valenzuela, HAPI’s Chief Finance Officer. “Vaccinations are a crucial tool in preventing disease and keeping our communities healthy. Serving others in the simplest of ways, such as getting vaccinated, can have profound effects on the health and well-being of our communities.”

The HAPI Headquarters acted as a secure and convenient site for the kids and their parents to attend in order to acquire these crucial vaccines. Children’s health is of the utmost importance as youth is the period when one’s body is most susceptible to infections. Assisting and offering assistance to the RHU is HAPI’s way of demonstrating its support in the headquarters’ local neighbourhood.