DepEd Denounces Fake News On Suspension Of In-Person Classes

The Department of Education (DepEd) denounced on Monday, Oct. 13, misinformation spreading on social media that face-to-face classes are canceled until December.

In its official Facebook page, the DepEd alerted the public on a number of misleading posts being spread via social media, and showed two examples of false information stating that there would be no face-to-face classes until December.

In one of the fake posts, at the bottom of the image were the words “DepEd Advisisore (sic).”

Alleged logos of government agencies and news outlets were also seen on these bogus posts.

A third news post falsely reported online and modular classes will run from Oct. 13 to 17, due to an alleged threat of a magnitude 7.6 earthquake.

“The DepEd is reminding the public to be careful and discern the information posted online,” it said.

“Let us fight fake news, do not follow the pages of those that are spreading false news… immediately report them,” DepEd added.

Regarding the suspension of face-to-face classes in Metro Manila on Oct. 13 and 14, DepEd said on Monday it was to give way to structural inspections and to ensure the safety and health of students and teachers.

In a statement, DepEd said during the two-day preventive class suspensions, they would be conducting structural inspection of school buildings and assess if they would be able to withstand strong earthquakes.

The two-day break would also be a time to protect students and teachers against sickness.

DepEd advised the public to visit their official social media accounts for official announcements and information.

Laguna classes

In Laguna, face-to-face classes in all levels – both public and private – are suspended starting today, Oct. 14, up to Oct. 31.

The announcement suspending classes came following an emergency meeting between Laguna Gov. Sol Aragones, DepEd, the Laguna University Board, Task Force Lindol, Philippine National Police and other concerned agencies, over fears that an earthquake may occur in the province.

Although there is no clear way to predict when or where an earthquake will strike, Aragones said her aim is to ensure the safety of not only students, but also her constituents.

“You can prepare for the typhoon, but the earthquake, we don’t know when it will strike and hit. That’s why I stayed up a little late last night because I was also reading the comments of parents who are worried that their children are in school,” the governor said.

She said they would use the time to prepare comprehensive contingency plans.

“Instead of face-to-face classes, we will have alternative delivery mode, including online classes and modular,” Aragones said.

Based on data, the West Valley Fault line runs across Laguna, particularly in San Pedro, Santa Rosa, Canlubang, Calamba and Biñan City.

Flu-like illness

The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said it expects cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) to further increase in the coming months.

The DOH said since the country is still in the flu season, the numbers will still go up following the reported rise in ILI cases.

“We must keep in mind that the period from June to November is when cases of our flu-like illnesses increase,” DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said in a radio interview.

“It is during this time that ILI cases start to increase. We have not even peaked yet because it is still raining,” Domingo added.

Latest DOH data showed there were 121,716 ILI cases recorded during the period of Jan. 1 to Sept. 27.

“Based on our ILI count, nationwide, the numbers are eight percent lower than the number in 2024 as of Sept. 27, which was 132,538 cases,” Domingo said.

He reminded the public to wear face masks whenever possible, and to have their flu vaccine shots whenever it is made available in their areas.

Flu vaccination urged

Amid reports of increasing cases of ILI, vaccine experts urged the DOH to conduct immediate flu vaccination of senior citizens.

“The Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV) and the Raising Awareness on Influenza to Support Everyone (RAISE) Coalition is respectfully urging the Department of Health to expedite rollout of this year’s influenza vaccination program, with a particular focus on protecting our vulnerable senior citizens,” the groups said in a letter addressed to Health Secretary Ted Herbosa.

The groups noted, “With the anticipated surge in influenza cases toward the end of this year and into the early months of 2026, timely vaccination is not only a preventive measure but also a critical public health intervention.”

According to the PFV, they have already made significant strides in building vaccine confidence among older adults and these communities are now eagerly awaiting the arrival of flu vaccines.

“Any delay in implementation risks eroding the trust we have collectively worked so hard to establish,” the group, led by Dr. Maria Rosario Capeding, said. – With Ed Amoroso, Rhodina Villanueva