NEGROS Occidental – In response to the rising cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) in the province, the School Health and Nutrition Unit of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Negros Occidental is preparing additional health protocols, particularly following reported infections in the town of E.B. Magalona.
According to Ian Arnold Arnaez, spokesperson of DepEd Negros Occidental, while the local government unit (LGU) through its health office has its own existing protocols, DepEd is taking a proactive step to formulate its own set of guidelines — especially if the situation in E.B. Magalona turns out not to be an “isolated case” and similar cases emerge in other municipalities.
As of July 9, E.B. Magalona has reported 18 HFMD cases, with the following barangays affected: Alicante (5), Tabigue (3), Tuburan (3), Nanca (2), III-Poblacion (2), Damgo (1), Gahit (1), and Tanza (1).
For the first half of 2025, Negros Occidental has recorded over 800 HFMD cases, reflecting a 246.44% increase compared to 239 cases reported during the same period last year. Most of the patients are children aged 1 to 10, although cases have been recorded among individuals aged 0 to 36.
As an immediate response, E.B. Magalona mayor Matthew Louis Malacon issued Executive Order No. 41, suspending classes for two days at Nanca Elementary School, E.B. Magalona Elementary School, and all Child Development Centers. During the suspension, schools will shift to the alternative delivery mode (ADM) using emergency learning kits.
Mayor Malacon also advised residents to seek immediate medical attention at the Municipal Health Office (MHO) and assured them that medical assistance would be provided.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) called for public cooperation to help curb the spread of the disease.
“Teach your children good hygiene practices — frequent hand washing, avoiding face-touching, and disinfecting shared items,” the PHO urged in an official advisory./PN
