Capitol task force to manage measles-rubella immunization

CEBU, Philippines — Governor Pamela Baricuatro has institutionalized a province-wide task force that will steer Cebu's implementation of the 2026 Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) to strengthen coordination among government offices and ensuring wider vaccination coverage for children.

The Provincial Immunization Task Force (ITF) was created through Executive Order (EO) No. 40, signed last July 15, placing the body at the forefront of planning, supervision and policy-making for the province's measles-rubella immunization campaign.

The EO came in response to the Department of Health's directive requiring local government units to establish an Incident Management System and an Immunization Task Force to ensure the effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the nationwide vaccination drive.

The order also underscored the government's responsibility to protect public health, citing the 1987 Constitution and Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act, which identifies immunization as one of the country's essential public health services.

Under the EO, the Provincial ITF "shall serve as the primary coordinating, supervisory, and decision-making body for the implementation of the CY 2026 Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA) and other immunization-related initiatives within the Province of Cebu."

Baricuatro will chair the task force, while Provincial Health Officer Dr. Sheila Faciol has been designated vice chairwoman. Also sitting as members are key officials from the Provincial Capitol, including representatives from the Provincial Health Office, Provincial Budget Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Provincial Treasurer's Office, Provincial Information Office, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Among the task force's primary responsibilities is ensuring the successful rollout of the 2026 MR-SIA in every city and municipality across Cebu while improving collaboration among provincial offices, local governments, and partner agencies.

The executive order also seeks to strengthen vaccine logistics, planning, disease surveillance, and monitoring and reporting systems to improve the delivery of immunization services throughout the province.

Another priority identified in the EO is restoring and strengthening public trust in vaccination through information campaigns and sustained community engagement.

The order specifically directs the Provincial ITF to "increase public confidence and participation through effective risk communication and community engagement" as part of its overall strategy.

To carry out its functions, the Provincial ITF has been empowered to formulate operational guidelines, review provincial immunization strategies, mobilize resources, monitor campaign implementation and recommend measures that could further improve vaccination coverage.

EO No. 40 also created seven operational sub-groups that will focus on technical planning, local coordination, finance and procurement, vaccine logistics, data management, disease surveillance, and public communication.

Leading the Planning and Technical Support Group is Faciol, who will oversee campaign planning, technical guidance, monitoring and evaluation, as well as the establishment of the Provincial ITF Operations Center.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Health Office has been designated as the secretariat of the task force and will provide administrative, technical, documentation, and logistical support throughout the implementation of the campaign.

Funding for the initiative will come from available provincial appropriations, including the Local Investment Plan for Health and other lawful sources, subject to existing government budgeting and auditing rules. — (FREEMAN)