Health authorities and local government units are putting prevention front and center as Monkeypox cases are detected in various towns and cities.
In Mindanao, at least two local government units, Cagayan de Oro City in the north and the town of Polomolok in South Cotabato in the south, have made the wearing of mask mandatory among health personnel even if no Mpox case has been recorded in these LGUs, as of this writing.
But residents of Polomolok are not taking chances after cases were detected in other areas of South Cotabato.
As of May 26, 2025, based on records of the South Cotabato Provincial Health Office, the province has recorded 11 Mpox cases:
- Tboli - 4 cases
- Surallah - 3 cases
- Banga - 1 case
- Koronadal - 1 case
- Lake Sebu - 1 case
- Tantangan - 1 case
Five of the 11 infected have already recovered, the office said.
Polomolok’s municipal health unit has made the wearing of mask mandatory among its personnel. The office has also encouraged those visiting to do the same.
“Let’s also remember that the municipal office is an office related to providing health services, meaning, they have to prepare themselves with or without the virus,” said Joven Malida, the town administrator.
In Cagayan de Oro, the local government’s health office also directed its personnel, as well as barangay health workers, to wear a mask.
The directive is indicated in a memorandum released by the health office, which is also implementing a ‘no face mask, no entry’ policy.
“Part sa preventive measures nila nagsuot sila og facemask then naa naman ta sa new normal sa post-pandemic… ang uban gani, ga-face mask man gyud,” said Jan Guillmore Actub, spokesperson of the City Mayor’s Office.
VISAYAS
On May 28, 2025, Iloilo City and Province in the Visayas announced detecting one case of Mpox each.
The city health office is also monitoring four other suspected cases.
The five patients are under isolation, are undergoing treatment, and are in stable condition.
The provincial health office, meanwhile, said up to nine close contacts of the resident infected have been isolated and have not manifested symptoms.
The patient has not had any history of travel.
INFECTION
Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus and usually results in mild illness with rashes.
Transmission may be through skin-to-skin contact.
Mpox symptoms may include fever, chills, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, extreme fatigue, headache, sore throat, anal pain, and painful urination.
Anyone showing symptoms is advised to seek medical attention immediately.
PREVENTION
As health authorities trace how those infected contracted the virus exactly, the constant reminder is for the public to observe minimum health standards, beginning with frequent hand washing.
Health authorities also recommended wearing a mask in crowded areas.
The Department of Health (DOH) has reminded the public to observe the following preventive measures:
- Cover the mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Ensure good airflow
- Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer
- Refrain from contact with individuals who have Mpox or who are manifesting symptoms
Residents of Polomolok and Cagayan de Oro interviewed by GMA Regional TV One Mindanao are not leaving their chances to fate and believe nothing beats prevention.
Many are seen wearing a mask in public spaces.
“Para safety ba… naniguro na lang ta,” said Renato Ilanan, a resident of Polomolok.
Another resident, Lemuel Cruz, said protecting himself is protecting his family.
“Para masiguro na hindi ako maapektuhan, pati mga pamilya ko… may maliit pa akong bata, eh,” he said.
The Polomolok municipal administrator, Malida, said there is no cause for alarm.
“We don’t want to scare the public…The directive is for all of us… we are all encouraged to wear face mask to shield ourselves from the possible infections,” he said.
Employees of other offices at the City Hall in Cagayan de Oro have also started wearing masks.
One of them, Stephanie Sumatra, said the mask is not mandatory at the City Hall but the public is encouraged to wear it.
“Para dili ko matakdan sa sakit karon nga Monkeypox, para pud ang uban dili matakdan diri kailangan gyud siya mag- facemask para iwas sa virus,” she said.
(With reports from Efren Mamac and James Paolo Yap of GMA Regional TV One Mindanao and Kim Salinas of GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas)
