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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOH: DepEd class suspension in NCR meant for quake preparedness, not flu

DOH: DepEd class suspension in NCR meant for quake preparedness, not flu

Published Oct 13, 2025 06:20 pm
The Department of Health (DOH) clarified that the two-day suspension of in-person classes in all public schools in the National Capital Region (NCR) was primarily a precautionary measure for earthquake preparedness, not because of a flu outbreak.
DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said the Department of Education (DepEd) informed him that the move was prompted mainly by safety preparations for a possible strong earthquake, often referred to as “The Big One.”
“At talagang ito ang sinabi sa akin ng DepEd kagabi, kausap ko ’yung Asec nila, it really is the earthquake preparedness kaya they had to suspend in NCR kasi ’yung Big One ang pinakaaantay nila (This is really what DepEd told me last night, I spoke with their assistant secretary — it was for earthquake preparedness, that’s why they had to suspend classes in NCR, because they’re preparing for ‘The Big One),’” he said in a radio interview on Monday, Oct. 13.
According to Domingo, the DOH advised DepEd that future health advisories should come directly from the health department to avoid confusion among the public and ensure consistency of information.
“Ito ang usapan namin kagabi, sabi namin, ‘Ay alam n’yo po, DepEd, mas maganda kapag mayroon po tayong mga ganitong anunsyo na pangkalusugan, nanggagaling po sa Department of Health kasi ang datos po pwede nating i-match.’ Kasi nga na-mi-misinterpret, eh, akala tuloy ng marami may ongoing (This was our discussion last night. We said, ‘You know, DepEd, it’s better if announcements like these, especially on health, come from the DOH so we can align the data.’ Because it gets misinterpreted; people think there’s an ongoing outbreak),” he said.
The DOH spokesperson emphasized that the class suspension is purely a precautionary measure and really for earthquake preparedness.
Earlier, the DOH reported that influenza-like illness (ILI) cases nationwide are eight percent lower this year compared to the same period in 2024. 
From Jan. 1 to Sept. 27, a total of 121,716 ILI cases were recorded nationwide, lower than the 132,538 cases registered during the same period last year.
On Sunday, Oct. 12, the DepEd announced the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public schools in Metro Manila from Oct. 13 to 14, to allow for disinfection, sanitation, and building inspections following recent earthquakes and reports of ILI among students and staff.

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