BACOLOD City – The local government of E.B. Magalona in Negros Occidental has suspended face-to-face classes in the elementary level for two days due to reported cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD).
Mayor Matthew Louis Malacon issued Executive Order No. 41, Series of 2025, declaring July 10 and 11 (Thursday and Friday) as days of class suspension for all elementary schools and Child Development Centers, including Nanca Elementary School and E.B. Magalona Elementary School.
During this period, classes will shift to the alternative delivery mode (ADM) using emergency learning kits, according to a post on the local government’s official Facebook page, Tumandok EB Magalona.
The move aims to prevent further spread of the disease and allow the implementation of necessary public health interventions.
As of July 9, the local government has recorded a total of 18 HFMD cases across several barangays. Barangay Alicante reported the highest number with five cases, followed by barangays Tabigue and Tuburan with three cases each. Barangays Nanca and Poblacion III recorded two cases each, while one case each was reported in barangays Damgo, Gahit, and Tanza.
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) has urged the public to cooperate in preventing the spread of HFMD by observing proper hygiene practices.
“Teach your children good hygiene: frequent hand washing, avoiding touching their faces, and disinfecting shared items,” the PHO advised in a Facebook post.
HFMD is a common viral illness that typically affects young children. It is characterized by fever, sore throat, and a rash with blisters on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth./PN
