20/10/2026
𝐑𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛𝐬 𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐏𝐡𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐨-𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – Five Rotary clubs here are intensifying efforts to help keep communities’ polio-free through vaccination advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and partnerships with the Department of Health (DOH) as the Rotary International observes “World Polio Day” on October 24.
During a press conference, Rotary Clubs highlighted the importance of sustaining the Philippines’ polio-free status through continued immunization, community mobilization, and public-private collaboration to protect children from the crippling and potentially fatal disease.
To drumbeat their motorcade on October 24, Pres. Bernardo Cusipag of Tuguegarao Rainbow, Pres. Dindo Asuncion of Tuguegarao Citadel, Pres. Mark Yu of Tuguegarao, Pres. Garrijay Zinampan of Rotary Club of Solana Moonlight together with Deputy District Governor (DDG) Sonny Boy Timbas and Assistant Governor (AG) for Area 1 and 2 Delia Pararuan of District 3770, respectively, shared their different club activities before the media, today, October 20.
DDG Timbas said there is a need to sustain public awareness and vaccination efforts to prevent the resurgence of polio and safeguard the health of children.
He said the Rotary International contributes significantly to polio eradication efforts, with each Rotarian paying approximately $20-25 annually, making Rotary one of the largest contributors alongside the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
“Tuwing October 24, nakikiisa ang Rotary International at ang mahigit 1.2 million Rotarians sa buong mundo sa paggunita ng World Polio Day. Ang araw na ito ay nagbibigay-diin sa ating patuloy na laban upang tuluyang mapuksa ang poliomyelitis o polio, isang nakahahawang sakit na maaaring magdulot ng permanenteng paralisis at maging kamatayan, lalo na sa mga bata,” Timbas said.
He underscored the campaign’s call: “End Polio Now. Protect Every Child. Keep Our Communities Polio-Free.”
Through the End Polio Now campaign, Rotary works with the DOH and international partners to support immunization, information campaigns, and community mobilization, ensuring that more children receive protection against the disease.
Meanwhile, Pres. Cusipag highlighted the role of the Rotary Club of Tuguegarao Rainbow’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) projects in Cagayan and Isabela in promoting healthier communities and reducing the risk of disease transmission associated with contaminated water and poor sanitation.
“Naniniwala kami na ang access sa ligtas na tubig, maayos na palikuran, at wastong paghuhugas ng kamay ay mahalaga sa pag-iwas sa iba't ibang sakit na naipapasa sa pamamagitan ng kontaminasyon. Gayunman, nais din naming bigyang-diin na ang WASH projects ay katuwang ng pagbabakuna, hindi kapalit nito. Para sa polio, nananatiling pinakamahalaga ang kumpletong bakuna ng mga bata,” Cusipag said.
He said that while safe water, proper sanitation, and handwashing help promote public health, vaccination remains the primary protection against polio. Sustained immunization coverage is essential to protect children and prevent the virus from spreading within communities.
On the other hand, DG Pararuan cited the significant progress in the global fight against polio, noting that cases have declined by 99.9 percent since 1988. With wild poliovirus transmission persisting in Afghanistan and Pakistan, she said continued efforts are necessary to close the remaining gaps and achieve global eradication.
“Kaya patuloy ang Rotary International at ang mga katuwang nito sa pagsuporta sa pagbabakuna, surveillance, community awareness, at iba pang intervention na kailangan upang maprotektahan ang bawat bata,” Pararuan said.
She encouraged community members to help sustain the country’s polio-free status by sharing accurate information, supporting DOH vaccination programs, and urging parents to ensure that their children complete their recommended immunization schedules. (Alvin C. delos Santos)