DOST and NDMU Launch Joint Research to Boost Childhood Vaccination Rates in South Cotabato

CITY OF KORONADAL, PHILIPPINES – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office XII and Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) have formalized a critical public health partnership to improve childhood immunization coverage in selected areas of South Cotabato. The six-month project, titled “Behavioral and Social Drivers of Childhood Vaccination Among Parents/Caregivers in Selected Low Vaccination Coverage Areas in South Cotabato,” has been awarded a total grant of Three Hundred Fifty-one Thousand Eight Hundred Pesos (PHP 351,800.00) under the DOST Grants-In-Aid (GIA) Program.

The collaboration was officially solidified by the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement on September 29, 2025, at the Habi Hotel, City of Koronadal, South Cotabato. The MOA was signed by DOST-Region XII Regional Director Sammy P. Malawan; NDMU University President Br. Paterno S. Corpus, FMS, EdD; Project Leader, Assistant Professor Efren II C. Deocades, RMT, MSMT of the NDMU-Department of Medical Technology; and Mrs. Giselle Eve O. Siladan, the Planning Officer/R&D Focal Person of DOST-XII. The research team also includes Co-Author Maverick V. Sustiguer, RMT, MSMT. Also present at the signing were Mrs. Sheila B. Roma, MPA, the NDMU-Director of Research and Publication Center, and Engr. Normina P. Pahm, Chief Science Research Specialist of the Technical Services Division and the Health Research and Development Consortium-XII director.

The research endeavor, which officially began its implementation phase in October 2025, aims to move beyond basic data and understand the core human factors driving vaccination decisions. It will investigate the thinking, feeling, social norms, and practical barriers faced by parents and caregivers in selected low vaccination coverage areas. This study's specific focus areas include examining confidence in vaccine benefits, safety, and health workers; analyzing the role of social processes such as family, peer, and community leader norms; and identifying the practical issues and hindrances that affect access to essential vaccination services.

The findings are anticipated to be a crucial reference for the Integrated Provincial Health Office of South Cotabato and local Municipal Health Offices. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the project aims to serve as the basis for crafting new, targeted local policies that will improve vaccination program implementation across the province. Ultimately, this will directly contribute to reducing the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases and enhancing the quality of life for children in the region. The project has already secured its Certificate of Technical Review Board Approval from the Health Research and Development Consortium XII (HRDC XII) and its ethical clearance from the University of the Immaculate Conception-Research Ethics Committee, ensuring the research is conducted to the highest technical and ethical standards.