Council backs creation of task force vs Mpox

The Cebu City Council has expressed full support for the creation of a task force to address the growing threat of monkeypox (Mpox), following a call from Mayor-elect Nestor Archival Sr.

- Iris Hazel Mascardo/FPL

The council unanimously approved the move during its recent regular session, where Archival—currently serving the final months of his term as councilor—delivered a privilege speech urging intensified action against the viral infection.

He recalled that outgoing Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia had convened a crucial meeting with key officials in response to the emerging health concern.

Archival cited the World Health Organization's declaration of Mpox as a public health emergency of international concern on August 14, 2024, as a key reason for urgent local intervention.

He said the executive order issued by Garcia, which formalized the creation of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) against Mpox, was "both fitting and timely."

"A proactive measure, I fully and strongly support," said Archival.