The Department of Education has directed all public schools nationwide to intensify sanitation measures and health monitoring to protect students and staff from dengue and leptospirosis.
Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara emphasized that the measure aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive prioritizing learner and personnel safety during public health and environmental hazards.
“Katulad ng palaging paalala ng ating Pangulong Bongbong Marcos, hindi dapat nahihinto o naaalanganin ang edukasyon dahil sa mga banta sa kalusugan at kalamidad,” Angara stated.
Department of Health data recorded 93,155 dengue cases from January 4 to August 1, alongside 5,486 leptospirosis cases logged between January 24 and August 26. Although both figures mark a decrease compared to the same period in 2025, health officials warn that localized outbreaks remain a threat.
In response, DepEd instructed school administrators to implement the DOH’s Enhanced 4S Strategy: searching and destroying mosquito breeding grounds, securing self-protection, seeking early consultation, and supporting spraying or fogging only when recommended by local health authorities.
School personnel must conduct routine checks of classrooms, grounds, gardens, restrooms, gutters, and drainage systems to eliminate standing water. Students are also encouraged to apply mosquito repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when feasible.
“Ating ipinapanawagan sa ating mga school heads, guro, at magulang na magtulungan. Ang simpleng pagpapanatili ng kalinisan sa ating paligid, ang pagpuksa sa mga pinagmumulan ng lamok at pag-iwas sa pagbabad sa baha, ay malaking bagay upang mailayo ang ating mga kabataan sa sakit,” Angara urged.
To streamline tracking, DepEd launched an automated Dengue and Leptospirosis Case Monitoring and Reporting Tool, requiring schools to log monitored infections for real-time visibility across division, regional, and central offices.