By Mary Joy Cavañas
The Iloilo City Government issued Executive Order No. 047, Series of 2025, creating the City Monkeypox (Mpox) Task Force on June 10, 2025.
The task force, through coordinated efforts among various agencies, aims to implement proactive measures to mitigate Mpox transmission, protect at-risk populations, and ensure public health and safety. This includes disseminating accurate information to prevent misinformation and stigma.
Key personnel of the task force include Mayor Jerry P. Treñas as the Chairperson, CHO head Dr. Mary Ann Diaz who will serve as Vice Chairperson, and Hon. Alan Zaldivar, Chairperson of Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Health who will serve as the task force’s Co-Vice Chairperson.
These includes representatives from various city departments and organizations, namely:
- Iloilo City Health Office – Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (ICESU)
- Health Emergency Management Bureau
- Uswag Molecular Laboratory
- City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO)
- Public Information Office
- City Mayor’s Legal Team
- Liga ng mga Barangay
- General Services Office
- City Engineer’s Office
- SP On Health
- City Administrator
Various city offices and national government agencies are also involved to show support such as:
- Iloilo City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO)
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) – Field Office 6
- Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office
- Iloilo City Veterinary Office
- Iloilo City Police Office
- Iloilo City Bureau of Fire Protection
In August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Mpox spreads through close contact (including sexual contact) with an infected individual, their bodily fluids, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials.
As of June 9, CHO reported six laboratory confirmed cases who are currently receiving treatment and in stable condition, while there were also six suspected cases who underwent laboratory confirmatory test.
Meanwhile, Iloilo City recorded its first confirmed Mpox case on May 27, 2025 .
