BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Improvements in child survival indicators in the region have been noted, although gaps in full immunization coverage remain, based on the 2025 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).
The Philippine Statistics Authority-Cordillera (PSA-CAR) presented during the regional dissemination forum for the 2025 NDHS key indicators on May 26, 2026, in Baguio City, that under-five mortality declined to 12 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2025 from 13 in 2022, neonatal mortality declined to seven deaths per 1,000 live births from 10 deaths in 2022, while infant mortality remained at 10 deaths per 1,000 live births.
The survey also showed that 80.6 percent of children aged 24 to 59 months are developmentally on track.
On immunization, the survey showed that 71% of children aged 12 to 23 months received all basic antigens, which include BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin), three doses of DPT vaccine, three doses of polio vaccine, and one dose of measles-containing vaccine.
However, only 54.4% of children in the same age group were fully vaccinated based on the national immunization schedule, which includes basic antigens plus additional vaccines such as Hepatitis B, inactivated poliovirus vaccine, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, and measles, mumps and rubella vaccines.
The region’s total fertility rate also declined to 1.7 children per woman from 2.2 in 2022.
PSA-CAR Regional Director Villafe P. Alibuyog said the findings reflect major shifts in the region’s demographic and health landscape.
“This comprehensive report captures the critical shifts in our region’s demographic landscape, fertility trends, maternal and child healthcare, family planning, and socioeconomic well-being,” Alibuyog said.
She said the decline in fertility and population growth could help the region maximize its demographic dividend through sustained investments in healthcare, education, and social protection.
Meanwhile, Jocelyn A. Loquio of the Department of Health-Cordillera said the NDHS findings would help guide policies and interventions aimed at improving maternal and child health services.
Loquio said health authorities need to intensify catch-up immunization activities, strengthen community engagement, and improve vaccine confidence especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities.
She also emphasized the need to sustain maternal and newborn care programs and strengthen multisectoral collaboration to further improve health outcomes in the region. **JDP/RGA-PIA CAR
