The Department of Education (DepEd) issued a strong warning on Monday against the spread of false information on social media claiming face-to-face classes have been canceled until December.<\/p>\n
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, DepEd identified several misleading social media posts circulating online. The education agency showcased two examples of fabricated announcements, one of which contained the misspelled text “DepEd Advisisore” at the bottom of the image. The fake posts were further disguised with unauthorized logos of government agencies and news organizations to appear legitimate.<\/p>\n
A third fraudulent announcement claimed online and modular classes would run from October 13 to 17 due to an alleged threat of a magnitude 7.6 earthquake. “The DepEd is reminding the public to be careful and discern the information posted online,” the agency stated. “Let us fight fake news, do not follow the pages of those that are spreading false news… immediately report them.”<\/p>\n
The agency clarified that while face-to-face classes in Metro Manila were indeed suspended on October 13 and 14, this temporary measure was implemented to allow for structural inspections of school buildings and to safeguard student and teacher health. During this brief pause, authorities will assess the structural integrity of educational facilities to ensure they can withstand strong earthquakes.<\/p>\n
DepEd urged the public to rely only on information from its official social media accounts for accurate announcements and updates.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, in Laguna province, a more extended suspension of face-to-face classes for all levels in both public and private institutions has been implemented from October 14 to 31. This decision followed an emergency meeting convened by Laguna Governor Sol Aragones with representatives from DepEd, the Laguna University Board, Task Force Lindol, the Philippine National Police, and other relevant agencies.<\/p>\n
The extended suspension in Laguna stems from concerns about potential seismic activity in the region. According to geological data, the West Valley Fault line traverses several areas in Laguna, including San Pedro, Santa Rosa, Canlubang, Calamba, and Bi\u00f1an City.<\/p>\n
“You can prepare for the typhoon, but the earthquake, we don’t know when it will strike and hit,” Governor Aragones explained, addressing parents’ concerns about their children’s safety at school. During the suspension, educational institutions will shift to alternative delivery modes, including online classes and modular learning, while authorities develop comprehensive contingency plans.<\/p>\n
In a related development affecting school attendance, the Department of Health (DOH) warned that cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) are expected to rise in the coming months as the country remains in flu season. “We must keep in mind that the period from June to November is when cases of our flu-like illnesses increase,” DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo stated in a radio interview.<\/p>\n
The latest DOH data revealed 121,716 ILI cases recorded from January 1 to September 27, which is actually 8 percent lower than the 132,538 cases reported during the same period in 2024. “We have not even peaked yet because it is still raining,” Domingo added, suggesting that the situation could worsen before improving.<\/p>\n
Health officials are advising the public to wear face masks whenever possible and to get flu vaccine shots when available in their areas.<\/p>\n
In response to the rising ILI cases, vaccine advocacy groups including the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) and the Raising Awareness on Influenza to Support Everyone (RAISE) Coalition have called on the DOH to accelerate this year’s influenza vaccination program, particularly for vulnerable senior citizens.<\/p>\n
“With the anticipated surge in influenza cases toward the end of this year and into the early months of 2026, timely vaccination is not only a preventive measure but also a critical public health intervention,” the groups stated in a letter to Health Secretary Ted Herbosa.<\/p>\n
The PFV noted they have made significant progress in building vaccine confidence among older adults, who are now eagerly awaiting flu vaccines. Dr. Maria Rosario Capeding, representing the group, warned that “any delay in implementation risks eroding the trust we have collectively worked so hard to establish.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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