ILOILO – The Department of Education (DepEd) in this province is placing all public schools on heightened alert ahead of the official class opening on June 16.
In anticipation of potential mpox health threats to both learners and personnel, the Schools Division of Iloilo has announced the full reinstatement of its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program, along with the strict implementation of COVID-19 pandemic-era safety protocols to prevent possible mpox transmission in schools.
Mpox is a viral disease transmitted primarily through close, skin-to-skin contact, including during sexual activity. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals, maintaining personal hygiene, and practicing responsible health behaviors.
Leonil Salvilla, information officer of the Schools Division of Iloilo, said DepEd is taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of students and teachers amid the emerging mpox cases.
“We are reviving all the protocols implemented during the (COVID-19) pandemic, especially those relating to hand hygiene, personal item sharing, and sanitation,” he said in a radio interview.
To date, five confirmed mpox cases have been reported in Region 6 — four in Iloilo City and one in the province of Iloilo. The provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental remain free of confirmed cases.
Among the key measures are the provision of safe drinking water, accessible handwashing facilities, menstrual hygiene support, and proper waste segregation and drainage maintenance.
Students will also be reminded not to share personal items such as water bottles.
In the event of a sharp rise in mpox cases, localized and granular suspensions of face-to-face classes may be recommended in coordination with local government units.
“We are guided by DepEd Order No. 22, s. 2024, which allows school heads to suspend classes during emergencies or hazards that threaten the safety of learners and teachers — subject to coordination with local officials and our Schools Division Superintendent,” Salvilla said.
The Schools Division of Iloilo also announced a convergence meeting with all school heads before classes resume to finalize health and safety strategies. One of the key agenda items will be clear communication of mpox-related precautions to both learners and parents./PN
