Cebu City creates task force vs mpox

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CEBU CITY — The local government here has formed a dedicated inter-agency task force in response to the rising concern over mpox, a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, with four suspected cases currently under investigation in the city.

RISING CONCERN Outgoing Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia signs an executive order on June 2, 2025, officially creating the Inter-Agency Task Force Against Mpox in Cebu City. PHOTO BY KAISER JAN FUENTES 

Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia on Monday announced the signing of an executive order establishing the "Inter-Agency Task Force Against Mpox."

The newly formed body is tasked with enforcing preventive strategies, coordinating response efforts, and closely monitoring cases to contain any potential transmission of the viral disease.

This comes as he confirmed that there are four suspected cases of mpox in the city, which are currently being closely monitored by health workers.

"The City Government of Cebu acknowledges the recent confirmation of mpox cases within the Visayas region, including cases in Talisay City, Iloilo City, and Iloilo Province, and a suspected case in Mandaue City, as reported by local health authorities," the executive order stated.

The mayor will chair the task force, with the City Health Department as vice chairman and the Office of the City Administrator as co-vice chairman.

Also included in the task force are representatives from the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Health, Hospital Services, and Sanitation; Business Permits and Licensing Office; Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office; Department of Social Welfare and Services; Cebu City Medical Center; Local School Board; Public Information Office; and the Barangay Affairs Office.

National agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Education (DepEd) are also part of the group.

The City Health Department, in coordination with the Cebu City Medical Center, is directed to oversee the monitoring of mpox cases and submit daily reports to the mayor or city administrator.

It must also prepare an Mpox Emergency Plan in coordination with the disaster risk reduction office.

The Public Information Office is tasked to "intensify information campaigns to spread awareness on mpox prevention and mitigation measures," while the city council's health committee will recommend ordinances or resolutions that may address mpox concerns.

The Office of the City Administrator is instructed to "identify and mobilize the necessary resources, including but not limited to funds, personnel, and equipment to be maintained for the purposes required under this executive order."

All government offices in Cebu City are mandated to implement the orders, findings, and issuances under these directives in their respective jurisdiction.

Funding will be sourced from the city's annual or supplemental budgets or other available funds, in compliance with auditing rules. The EO is effective immediately and will remain in force until revoked.

Meanwhile, the DOH in Central Visayas has confirmed six mpox cases in the region recorded between March and April. Of the six confirmed cases, five patients have recovered, while one fatality has been reported.

The cases were recorded in Cebu City, Cebu Province, Talisay City, Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City.

In an earlier report, Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas confirmed that a resident has tested positive for mpox but clarified that the patient died of a preexisting condition and not from mpox.

Also in Mandaue City, health officials are monitoring a suspected case involving a 39-year-old man who has been placed under home isolation while awaiting confirmatory test results.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Dr. Agnes Realiza confirmed that a 27-year-old man with fever, rashes and muscle pain is under home isolation while awaiting test results.

The Cebu City government urges residents to remain vigilant and to follow health protocols to prevent the spread of mpox.