The Pasig City government has intensified its misting and fogging operations after a surge in flu-like illnesses affected both students and teachers at some of the country’s largest schools.

Health workers were conducting fogging at Nagpayong Elementary School, which has over 11,000 students, making it one of the largest elementary schools in the Philippines.

According to Teacher-Clinician Jay Pee Samodal, several teachers were also among those who contracted influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in the past two weeks.

A similar situation was reported at Rizal High School, another massive campus in Pasig with 12,000 enrolled students.

Principal Richard Santos confirmed that the school recorded 686 flu-like cases in September alone.

“Naka-plot na siya doon sa peak, so inaasahan namin na bababa na [yung kaso ng ILI],” Santos told DZRH News.

In response, the Department of Education (DepEd) reminded local governments to exercise caution in extending class suspensions due to health concerns.

Although DepEd-NCR initially declared a health break until Tuesday, the agency emphasized that such measures should not disrupt learning continuity.

DepEd also clarified that preventive class suspensions may be declared by LGUs for structural inspections following earthquakes or as part of disaster and health preparedness.

Meanwhile, health authorities urged parents to monitor symptoms among children, ensure proper hydration, and observe isolation when sick to prevent further transmission.