PHILIPPINE NEWS SERVICE — Amid the ongoing threat of the H1N1 disease or the so-called “swine flu” virus the Department of Education (DepEd) issued a memorandum directing school officials across the country to conduct a massive information drive on the nature and prevention of the dreaded disease.
“School officials are hereby instructed to mobilize teachers, school health and nutrition personnel and Alternative Learning System Coordinators to disseminate information on the nature, transmission, signs and symptoms, prevention and control of the disease,” DepEd Memorandum No. 206 series of 2009 issued by Education Undersecretary and Officer-In-Charge Ramon Bacani read.
‘Immediate dissemination of and compliance with this memorandum is desired,” the order added.
The order also stressed to school officials that it is imperative to take precautionary measures, especially with the opening of classes barely a month away, to prevent the possible spread of the dreaded disease.
The DepEd, however, said that there is no cause for alarm with the issuance of the order stressing that “To date, the Department of Health clarifies that there are no reports yet of Influenza A (H1N1) in the country,”
Earlier, some sectors expressed fears on the vulnerability of school children when classes opened on June 1.
More than 21 million elementary and secondary students are expected to troop back to some 44,000 schools nationwide next month.
Education Secretary Jesli Lapus earlier clarified that the opening of classes will go on as scheduled despite the threat of the disease.
There’s no plan to reset school opening as we have not received any advisory from the DOH regarding swine flu, a serious public health issue,” Lapus said.
Instead, Lapus said DepEd in coordination with the DOH and the local government units will conduct an intensified information drive to educate parents and school children on the issue as well as preventive tips.
“We will need national consultation and policy information drive on hygiene similar to what we teach on DepEd Essential Health Care Program which is frequent hand washing with soap to avoid contamination. That is what other countries such as the United States is advising its citizens,” Lapus added.
At the same time, he added that they are also awaiting feedback from health authorities on possible vaccination in schools against the dreaded virus.
Earlier, National Epidemiology Center director, Dr. Eric Tayag said they are leaving it to the DepEd the decision on whether to defer the opening of classes due to the H1N1 threat.
“There are suggestions to delay the opening of classes this June but that is only suggestion from some sector,” Tayag said.