MANILA, PHL — In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Davao City, DepEd officials discussed affected schools and took measures to rebuild them. | Photo via DepEd Website
METRO MANILA, PHL — In a swift response to rising health risks and seismic threats, the Department of Education (DepEd) has suspended all face-to-face classes in public schools across Metro Manila on October 13 and 14. The move comes amid a surge in influenza-like illnesses and recent earthquakes that have rattled multiple regions of the Philippines.
Private schools in cities like Marikina, Malabon, Parañaque, and Taytay, Rizal have followed suit, implementing similar suspensions and shifting to Alternative Delivery Modalities (ADM) such as online and modular learning. In Laguna, both public and private schools will remain closed until October 31, citing proximity to the West Valley Fault and the need for structural assessments.
“We’re not just disinfecting classrooms—we’re rebuilding trust in the safety of our learning spaces,” said Jocelyn Andaya, DepEd-NCR Director. “This pause allows us to inspect buildings, reinforce emergency protocols, and ensure that education continues without compromising health.”
The West Valley Fault is an active fault system located in the Greater Metro Manila Area, traversing several cities and provinces, and poses significant earthquake risks. It runs through key areas including Quezon City, Marikina City, Pasig City, Taguig City, Muntinlupa City, and extends into the provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite.
Educators on the ground are echoing the urgency. Marikina High School Principal Liza Ramos shared, “We’ve seen a spike in flu cases among students and staff. The suspension gives us breathing room to sanitize, regroup, and prepare for what could be a volatile season.”
The recent magnitude 5.8 quake in Cebu, following deadly tremors in Davao Oriental and Zambales, has heightened public anxiety. While PHIVOLCS has clarified that these events are not directly linked to the West Valley Fault, local governments are taking no chances.
Governor Sol Aragones of Laguna emphasized the precautionary nature of the extended suspension: “The days of missed classes can be recovered. But lives cannot. We must act decisively when risk looms over our communities”.
Civic leaders are also weighing in. “This is a moment to rethink how we build resilience into our education systems,” said Rozita Lee, Filipino American advocate and cultural district pioneer.
“Diaspora communities can play a role—whether through fundraising, policy advocacy, or amplifying local voices.”
The Department of Health (DOH) is coordinating with LGUs to monitor flu outbreaks and provide medical support. Meanwhile, DepEd has directed schools to use the suspension period for disinfection and sanitization, structural integrity checks, earthquake preparedness drills, and reinforcement of health protocols.
For Filipino families, the dual threat of illness and disaster is a sobering reminder of the fragility of daily life. “We adapt because we must,” said Quezon City parent Maricel Santos. “But we also hope for lasting solutions—safe schools, strong systems, and leaders who listen.”
As the nation braces for continued seismic activity and seasonal illnesses, the education sector’s response underscores a vital truth: learning must be safe to be sustainable, and resilience must be woven into every classroom, every community.
