CAPIZ – To strengthen its defense against infectious diseases, the provincial government of Capiz, under the leadership of Gov. Fredenil H. Castro, has issued Executive Order (EO) No. 11, series of 2025, reconstituting the Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (PIATF-MEREID).
The EO aligns with Republic Act No. 11332, or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act. It aims to establish a coordinated and proactive provincial response to infectious disease threats by focusing on preparedness, surveillance, containment, and mitigation strategies.
The move prepares the province for possible outbreaks of both new and recurring infectious diseases. Through the EO, the provincial government, in partnership with national government agencies and other stakeholders, seeks to ensure an organized and effective health response.
Among the recurring threats the EO seeks to address are COVID-19, leptospirosis, vaccine-preventable diseases, and various viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections — each posing serious risks to public health, economic stability, and social well-being.
The reconstituted PIATF-MEREID is composed of various provincial offices and departments, including the Provincial Health Office (PHO), Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee on Health, the Department of Health (DOH), other national agencies, academic institutions, and partner stakeholders.
The task force will lead health program implementation, enforce disease control measures, and respond swiftly during public health emergencies.
As stated in Section 2 (Functions) of the EO, PIATF-MEREID shall establish a system for identifying, screening, and assisting individuals suspected, probable, or confirmed to have emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases (EREIDs); implement stringent entry screening measures to prevent or reduce the transmission of EREIDs into the province; and institutionalize a surveillance, alert, and quarantine system to contain local transmission.
The government’s goals are (1) to effectively manage the resurgence and rapid transmission of the diseases; (2) to strengthen surveillance and enhance coordination among health stakeholders; (3) to ensure rapid containment of rapid outbreaks; (4) to implement long-term strategies for preventing and controlling infectious diseases.
The EO takes effect immediately upon issuance and will remain in force until further notice./PN
