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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DepEd suspends in-person classes in NCR on Oct. 13–14 amid rise in influenza-like illnesses, recent earthquakes

DepEd suspends in-person classes in NCR on Oct. 13–14 amid rise in influenza-like illnesses, recent earthquakes

Published Oct 12, 2025 06:25 pm
The Department of Education–National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR) on Sunday, Oct. 12, ordered the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public schools in Metro Manila on Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 13–14, 2025, to allow for disinfection, sanitation, and building inspections following a spike in influenza-like illnesses and recent earthquakes in various parts of the country.
“In light of the increasing incidence of influenza-like illnesses among learners and personnel and the recent series of earthquakes affecting various parts of the country, the Department of Education – National Capital Region (DepEd NCR) issues this advisory to ensure the continuity of learning while prioritizing the health, safety, and structural security of all public schools,” DepEd NCR said in an advisory signed by Regional Director Jocelyn Dr. Andaya, who also serves as Concurrent Officer-In-Charge, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Operations.
The education department said all public schools are directed to shift to Alternative Delivery Modalities (ADM) during the two-day suspension, either synchronous or asynchronous, to ensure continued learning “as provided under DepEd Order No. 54, s. 2012, to avoid disruption of learning.”
According to DepEd, schools should use the suspension period to “conduct cleaning and disinfection of classrooms and common areas,” “carry out structural and safety inspections of school buildings and facilities,” and “prepare for the facilitation or implementation of drills on earthquake preparedness and other emergency protocols.”
As such, the agency instructed schools to “reinforce health and safety practices among learners, personnel, and parents.”
The DepEd underscored that the directive aligns with existing guidelines on disaster and safety preparedness.
“This advisory reinforces DepEd Memorandum OUOPS-2025-06294, emphasizing earthquake preparedness and response procedures, including coordination with Division Engineers and Local Government Units (LGUs) for inspection and mitigation measures,” it stated.
Private schools in Metro Manila were likewise encouraged to “observe and conduct these measures.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) said the number of influenza-like illness (ILI) cases nationwide remains lower compared to the same period last year.
“At the national level, the number of influenza like illnesses (ILIs) is lower than last year thus far,” Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, DOH spokesperson, told reporters via Viber message on Sunday, Oct. 12.
“It is sound precaution for local and institutional health authorities to practice preventive measures to keep the numbers down,” he went on.
However, the health department has not yet provided any figures.
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