MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education–National Capital Region DepEd- NCR has announced the suspension of all face-to-face classes in public schools across Metro Manila on October 13 and 14, 2025, as part of preventive measures against the rising cases of Influenza like illness (ILI) and to allow time for the disinfection and inspection of school facilities.
Rising Influenza Like Illness in NCR Prompts Preventive Action
According to DepEd-NCR Regional Director Jocelyn DR Andaya, the temporary suspension is a response to the increasing reports of influenza like illness in NCR, affecting both students and teachers in multiple divisions. Health monitoring data from various public schools indicated that several learners were experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue—common signs of influenza-type infections.
Although there has been no official declaration of a health outbreak, DepEd emphasized that proactive prevention remains crucial in curbing the spread of illnesses, especially in densely populated school environments within Metro Manila. The region’s humid weather and the ongoing flu season have made classrooms potential hotspots for the rapid transmission of respiratory viruses.
Ensuring Safety Through Disinfection and Structural Checks
The two-day class suspension will give schools time to conduct thorough disinfection and sanitation procedures, ensuring that classrooms, comfort rooms, canteens, and other common areas are properly cleaned before students return.
This effort aligns with DepEd’s continued commitment to safeguarding learners’ health and ensuring that educational spaces remain safe for both teaching and non-teaching personnel.
Aside from health-related concerns, the advisory also highlighted the need to inspect school buildings and facilities following the series of recent earthquakes that affected different parts of the country.
DepEd-NCR stated that all schools are required to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) and division engineers to perform structural and safety assessments to guarantee the stability of classrooms and other structures.
Any damaged or high-risk areas identified will be subject to immediate repair, reinforcement, or temporary closure.
Continuation of Learning via Alternative Delivery Modalities
While physical attendance is suspended, the Department of Education clarified that learning will continue uninterrupted through Alternative Delivery Modalities (ADMs). These include synchronous and asynchronous online classes, modular learning, and other flexible approaches as stated in DepEd Order No. 54, series of 2012.
Teachers have been instructed to provide learning materials, online modules, or recorded lessons so that students can continue their academic activities at home. This approach aims to minimize learning gaps while maintaining safety precautions amid the current influenza like illness situation in NCR. Parents are also encouraged to supervise their children’s learning and help them follow proper hygiene and study schedules while at home.
Emphasis on Health and Safety Protocols
DepEd-NCR’s advisory reinforces the importance of basic health and safety practices among students, teachers, and parents. Schools were reminded to strengthen their Health and Nutrition programs, which include temperature checks, isolation of symptomatic individuals, and proper handwashing facilities.
The regional office also reminded communities to follow the “7 Healthy Habits” campaign:
- Regular handwashing with soap and water
- Covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Getting enough rest and hydration
- Maintaining a clean learning environment
- Wearing masks in crowded areas if feeling unwell
- Seeking medical consultation when flu-like symptoms persist
These measures aim to prevent not just influenza like illness in NCR, but also other respiratory infections that commonly spread in schools during the cooler months.
Earthquake Preparedness and Safety Inspections
In addition to addressing health issues, the advisory reiterates DepEd Memorandum OUAOPS-2025-06294, which focuses on earthquake preparedness and response procedures. Schools have been instructed to conduct earthquake drills and coordinate closely with local disaster risk reduction offices to enhance readiness for natural calamities.
DepEd emphasized that ensuring both health safety and structural stability is part of its comprehensive approach to student welfare. The suspension period is an opportunity for teachers and school heads to evaluate their emergency response protocols, update safety plans, and ensure all staff members are trained to handle emergencies.
Private Schools Urged to Follow Similar Measures
Although the advisory is mandatory for public schools, private institutions in NCR were encouraged to adopt similar precautions. DepEd stated that the collaboration of all educational sectors is essential in preventing the further spread of influenza-like illnesses and ensuring a safe learning environment for every Filipino student.
Several private schools in Quezon City, Makati, and Manila have already issued their own announcements aligning with DepEd-NCR’s decision. These schools plan to shift temporarily to online or modular learning modes while simultaneously performing disinfection and health monitoring activities.
Community Involvement and Reinforcement of Responsible Practices
DepEd-NCR’s directive also underscores the shared responsibility among educators, parents, and students in maintaining community health. Parents are advised to monitor their children for any flu-like symptoms and avoid sending them to school until they are fully recovered.
Meanwhile, teachers are tasked to report clusters of illnesses promptly to local health authorities to enable timely response and tracking.
In areas heavily affected by influenza like illness in NCR, barangay health centers are expected to assist in providing medical guidance and preventive education. The Department of Health (DOH) has been coordinating with DepEd-NCR to ensure health surveillance, data reporting, and vaccine availability, especially for vulnerable age groups.
DepEd’s Commitment to Student Welfare
DepEd reiterated that the health, safety, and well-being of learners remain at the center of all its decisions. The regional office assured the public that the temporary suspension is a preventive measure, not a sign of panic.
The two-day pause provides the necessary time for schools to recover, clean, inspect, and prepare for the resumption of normal operations in a safer, more secure environment.Director Andaya encouraged everyone to stay updated through official DepEd channels and avoid misinformation.
She emphasized that collective cooperation among teachers, students, and parents will help keep learning continuous and communities healthy.
Conclusion
The temporary class suspension on October 13–14, 2025, reflects DepEd-NCR’s balanced approach to education and safety, prioritizing both learning continuity and the well-being of the school community. By acting swiftly against the rising cases of influenza like illness in NCR and ensuring structural safety following recent earthquakes, DepEd underscores its mission to protect every Filipino learner.
The coordinated effort between schools, local governments, and parents shows that education in the Philippines is resilient—capable of adapting to challenges while always putting health and safety first.
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