Written by: Louie Lyndon S. Romero | Photos by: Jandawyne Francis M. Caluya

𝗣𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗭𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗿 – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region IX formally sealed its partnership with the Department of Health – Zamboanga Peninsula Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD IX) through the Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (EREID) Inter-Agency Collaboration Committee.

The MOU was signed at the DILG Regional Office in Balintawak, Pagadian City, with Assistant Regional Director and Officer-in-Charge, Engr. Carmelo Enrique B. Libot, CESO V, representing DILG IX.

This agreement strengthens the whole-of-government approach in addressing infectious disease threats across the Zamboanga Peninsula. Under the MOU, DILG IX plays a crucial role in ensuring that local government units (LGUs) are guided, supported, and mobilized in implementing disease surveillance, preparedness, prevention, and response measures.

The collaboration institutionalizes coordination among national government agencies in the region, reinforcing mechanisms for:

• Enhanced surveillance and reporting
• Rapid response
• Information sharing across agencies
• Strengthened LGU preparedness and compliance with health protocols

The EREID Inter-Agency Collaboration Committee serves as a platform to sustain partnerships beyond pandemic response, ensuring that Region IX remains proactive and resilient against future public health emergencies.

This milestone underscores the shared commitment of DOH and DILG to protect communities and uphold public health security in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Together, we move toward a safer, healthier, and more resilient Region IX.