DOH clarifies class suspension due to earthquake preparedness activities, not flu cases
The Department of Health, on Monday, clarified that the Department of Education's suspension of face-to-face classes in Metro Manila is not because of the influenza-like illnesses going around. Rather, the suspension is meant to give way to earthquake preparedness efforts.
Speaking on the Ted Failon and DJ ChaCha program, DOH spokesperson Dr. Albert Domingo clarified the class suspension by DepEd was "mainly because of earthquake preparedness...at structural inspection." It was not because of illnesses with flu-like symptoms.
"Sinabay na lang po nila 'yung ating health break dahil sabi nga nila, 'Anyway, magsu-suspend ng face-to-face [classes], 'di pagkakataon na rin na magkaroon ng sanitation," Domingo added.
He further clarified the current number of influenza-like cases in the country.
"'Yung bilang ng influenza-like illnesses sa buong bansa ay bumaba pa nga ng 8%," Domingo said.
Based on DOH data, according to Domingo, there were 132,538 flu-like cases as of Sept. 27, 2024. In Sept. 2025, cases were down to 121,716.
The DOH spokesperson mentioned the department is currently keeping a close watch on Regions 1, 2, 4A, and 4B due to rising flu-like cases.
"Pero kung titingnan niyo po, hindi sila nag-suspend ng classes. Increased precaution lang po talaga," Domingo said.
This was after DepEd-National Capital Region announced the suspension of face-to-face classes in all Metro Manila public schools from Oct. 13 to 14 through an advisory released on Sunday.
“In light of the increasing incidence of influenza-like illnesses among learners and personnel and the recent series of earthquakes affecting various parts of the country, the Department of Education – National Capital Region issues this advisory to ensure the continuity of learning while prioritizing the health, safety, and structural security of all public schools,” the advisory read.
Following DepEd's announcement, private schools, such as the University of Sto. Tomas and Mapua University canceled on-site classes. Marikina City Mayor Maan Teodoro also suspended classes in public and private schools in the city until Tuesday.
Meanwhile, around 1 p.m. on Monday, Laguna Governor Sol Aragones went live on Facebook to announce the suspension of face-to-face classes in all schools throughout the province to give local governments time to assess the structural integrity of buildings and other spaces, and conduct other preparatory measures for an earthquake.
"Napagdesisyunan natin na wala muna na face-to-face classes mula Oct. 14 hanggang Oct. 31," she said.
"Magkakaroon po ng pagsusuri ng mga gusali, lalong-lalo na ang gusali ng mga paaralan. Aayusin din po natin sa Disaster [team] ang mga lugar na puwedeng takbuhan o paglagakan ng ating mga kababayan sakali nga na magkaroon ng lindol."
On Sept. 30, a 6.9-magnitude earthquake shook Bogo City, Cebu, causing over 9,000 aftershocks and leaving at least 71 dead. Another magnitude-6 tremor struck southwest of the same city in the early hours of Oct. 13.
In La Union and Baguio on Oct. 9, a 4.4-magnitude tremor struck, sending students and employees out of buildings.
Over in Mindanao, two offshore earthquakes—with magnitudes 7.4 and 6.8—occurred on Oct. 10 within hours of each other off the coast of Davao Oriental.
The next day, a magnitude-5 tremor jolted San Antonio, Zambales.
Despite online claims by the public, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said these recent earthquakes, while taking place within days of each other, are not connected.
Phivolcs said earthquakes are to be expected in the Philippines as it is seismically active. The institute also dismissed rumors about the coming "big one" or a magnitude-8 or -9 earthquake. It is impossible to ascertain the location, time, and intensity of any earthquake, they said.