Following the suspension of classes in the National Capital Region (NCR) from October 13-14, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said that influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) in the country is eight percent lower as compared to the cases recorded the same period in 2024.
Health Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Albert Domingo brushed aside worries when asked for reaction by the media after the increasing cases of ILI was mentioned as one of the one of the reasons, prompting DepEd to implement preventive class suspensions.
‘At the national level, the number of influenza-like illnesses is lower than last year thus far,’ Domingo said, citing that a total of 121,716 ILI cases were recorded across the country from January 1 to September 27, lower as compared to the 132,538 cases registered during the same period in 2024.
He reiterated that the move of DepEd is a sound precaution for local and institutional health authorities to practice preventive measures to keep the numbers down.
When asked if there is nothing to be alarmed of after the DepEd -NCR implemented class preventive suspension, Domingo responded,’Opo, ito po ay normal lamang na pag-iingat at base na rin sa kanilang anunsyo, sinabay nila sa earthquake preparedness para sa Big One.’
Ensuring safe learning spaces
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday reminded that Regional Office and Schools Division Office (SDOs) can implement preventive class suspensions to ensure the safety of the learners, teachers, and other agency personal after natural disasters such as earthquakes or typhoons.
‘Ipinaaabot ng Department of Education [DepEd] sa publiko na ang mga preventive class suspensions o pansamantalang pagtigil ng klase ay bahagi ng mga hakbang upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng mga mag-aaral, guro, at kawani habang isinasagawa ang mga gawain para sa kahandaan sa sakuna,’ said Dennis E. Legaspi, DepEd Chief Media Relations Officer.
Legaspi said that preventive class suspensions is also a measure to stop the spread of infectious diseases and ensure safe learning spaces.
‘Sa panahon ng preventive suspension, ipinatutupad ang mga alternatibong paraan ng pag-aaral upang tuloy pa rin ang edukasyon habang prayoridad ang kaligtasan ng lahat,’ he added.
The DepEd also appealing for cooperation of the parents, teachers, and local government units to ensure the safety of students during various natural hazards.