CLASSES nationwide officially resumed on Monday, June 16, 2025, for the school year 2025-2026. The Department of Education (DepEd) anticipated the return of around 27 million students from preschool to senior high school, even as the education sector continues to face long-standing issues.
In Davao Region, DepEd-Davao has taken proactive steps to safeguard learners from the threat of monkeypox (Mpox), especially as classes are held face-to-face.
In an interview with dxDC RMN Davao’s “Straight to the Point,” DepEd-Davao spokesperson Jenielito Atillo assured the public that health protocols are in place to help prevent the possibility of mpox outbreak in schools.
“Since the mpox cases were first monitored, we have issued memoranda on how to manage and prevent transmission,” Atillo said. “We’ve been conducting inspections to ensure that handwashing stations are functional and have running water. Frequent handwashing remains a key defense.”
Atillo also clarified that rumors of class suspensions due to mpox are unfounded. He emphasized that the Department of Health (DOH) and DepEd are in constant coordination to monitor the situation, and that schools remain safe for learners.
This, after several social media pages posted early this month, claiming that the government has suspended classes due to the ongoing mpox cases in the country.
“Fake news ang kumakalat na social media post tungkol sa umano’y suspension of classes dahil sa mpox virus (The social media posts circulating about the alleged suspension of classes due to the mpox virus are fake news),” the Education department said in an advisory on Facebook.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has also not issued any official statement or advisory regarding class suspensions related to the mpox. As of this writing, no such announcements have been posted on the agency’s social media platforms.
Mpox is a viral illness similar to smallpox, typically transmitted through close contact with infected individuals or surfaces. While generally less severe, the disease poses public health risks, especially in crowded settings like schools.
DOH has recorded isolated cases in recent years and continues to push for early detection and strict hygiene practices.
In addition to health concerns, DepEd also addressed policies on classroom discipline, including the use of mobile phones. The agency reiterated that cellphone use during class hours is generally discouraged, unless specifically allowed by teachers for educational purposes. DEF