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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Gatchalian urges schools to conduct disinfection, inspection of classrooms

Gatchalian urges schools to conduct disinfection, inspection of classrooms

Published Oct 13, 2025 01:11 pm

At A Glance

  • Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has called on schools and other educational institutions to take advantage of the two-day class suspension and conduct a full inspection and disinfection of classrooms and facilities.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday, October 13, urged schools and other educational institutions to take advantage of the two-day class suspension and conduct a full inspection and disinfection of classrooms and facilities.
EDCOM 2 urges LGUs and private groups to partner in addressing the 165,000-classroom shortage, reduce costs, and end shifting for Kindergarten to Grade 3 students. (MARK BALMORES / MANILA BULLETIN / file)
EDCOM 2 urges LGUs and private groups to partner in addressing the 165,000-classroom shortage, reduce costs, and end shifting for Kindergarten to Grade 3 students. (MARK BALMORES / MANILA BULLETIN / file)
Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, made the call as he urged public school authorities to check their facilities in light of the series of earthquakes that struck different parts of the country.
The senator also made the call as he took note of the Department of Education (DepEd) National Capital Region’s warning of a rising number of influenza-like illnesses among students and school personnel.
“With recent earthquakes and rising flu-like illnesses, preparedness is non-negotiable,” Gatchalian said in a statement.
“Schools in the National Capital Region should take advantage of the two-day class suspension to inspect classrooms and other facilities to ensure the safety of learners, teachers, and other school personnel before the resumption of face-to-face classes,” the senator stressed.
The lawmaker also said efforts should also include thorough disinfection to prevent the spread of illness.
“Hindi puwedeng hintayin ang sakuna bago kumilos. Kaligtasan ang pangunahin nating tungkulin (We cannot wait for a disaster to occur before taking action. Safety is our primary responsibility). Schools must ensure they are safe havens, not hazards,” he pointed out.
In its advisory, the DepEd suspended the face-to-face (F2F) learning to “prioritize the health, safety and structural security” of schools while allowing continued learning through alternative delivery modalities, such as online or modular instruction in line with DepEd Order No. 54, s. 2012.
Aside from disinfection, the order also instructs schools to also conduct structural and safety inspections, conduct earthquake drills and other emergency protocols.
The agency also reminded schools to strengthen health and safety practices and to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) for inspection and mitigation activities.
Authorities also encouraged private schools to observe similar measures for the safety of their students and personnel.

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Sherwin Gatchalian earthquake drill class and work suspensions DepEd
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