Manila: BACK-to-BAKuna, the flagship community health initiative of Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Philippines, was recognized as the 2026 Outstanding CSR (corporate social responsibility) Project for Health at the recent League of Corporate Foundations (LCF) Guild Awards, honoring its innovative approach to improving childhood immunization completion.
According to Philippines News Agency, BACK-to-BAKuna addresses a critical challenge in routine childhood immunization -- while many families begin vaccination, some struggle to complete the required doses due to missed schedules, concerns, and logistical barriers. The program strengthened existing public vaccination services by introducing behavior-based solutions that help caregivers remember schedules, prepare for visits, seek support, and return until completion.
Piloted August last year in Iloilo City and Janiuay town in Iloilo province, the initiative combines behavioral research, community collaboration, and practical tools such as group vaccine cards, milestone calendars, digital reminders, transport support, and health promotion activities. Using a quasi-experimental approach, BACK-to-BAKuna demonstrated significant improvements in vaccination completion, with intervention groups showing greater gains compared to control groups.
Findings showed that caregivers who engaged peers, invited others, and attended vaccination activities together were more likely to complete their children's vaccination schedules. "The recognition of BACK-to-BAKuna reflects our commitment to creating meaningful and sustainable solutions that respond to the real needs of Filipino families. By helping caregivers overcome barriers and supporting them throughout their children's vaccination journey, we are able to strengthen community health outcomes and help more children receive the protection they need," RMHC Philippines executive director Marie Angeles said in a news release Monday.
The program's innovation lies in recognizing that improving health outcomes requires more than access to services. It requires understanding and supporting the behaviors that influence follow-through. To sustain its impact, RMHC Philippines partnered with local government units to integrate the program's tested tools and approaches into existing immunization workflows. Through capacity-building support and an Adaptation Playbook, local health teams are equipped to continue applying the approach within routine health promotion activities.
The LCF CSR Guild Awards recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence in corporate citizenship through impactful and sustainable social development initiatives.
