Manila: The Philippines' Department of Education (DepEd) has announced the suspension of face-to-face classes on Monday and Tuesday in public schools across Metro Manila. This decision comes in response to concerns over influenza-like illnesses and recent seismic activities in the region.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the DepEd issued an advisory on Sunday stating that the two-day suspension is intended to allow "time for disinfection, sanitation, and building inspection" in the affected schools. While the advisory did not specify the number of respiratory illness cases, it highlighted the need for preventive measures.

The Department of Health (DOH) has reported a national decrease of 8 percent in influenza-like illnesses compared to the previous year. From January to September 27, 121,716 cases were recorded, down from 132,538 during the same period last year. DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo described the advisory as a prudent measure for local and institutional health authorities to help maintain low incidence rates.

In addition to health concerns, the DepEd has planned building inspections in schools to assess structural safety following recent earthquakes that impacted various parts of the country. During the suspension, schools are instructed to engage students through Alternative Delivery Modalities, employing either synchronous or asynchronous learning methods to ensure continued education.