The local government of Angeles City began a mass disinfection and structural inspection drive in public schools and day care centers last Thursday following a seasonal increase in influenza-like illness (ILI) cases.

Mayor Carmelo Lazatin II said the effort officially started at Gueco Balibago Elementary School. The City Health Office’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, the City Sanitation Team, and the City Engineering Office are spearheading the initiative.

Sanitation teams are conducting comprehensive cleaning and disinfection, while engineers are checking buildings for structural safety. Other public schools and day care centers are scheduled for disinfection and inspection in the coming days.

The action is being carried out in coordination with the local Department of Education (DepEd) division. Class suspensions are being arranged by cluster to allow for efficient work without significantly disrupting the academic calendar.

Meanwhile, the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Angeles City addressed unconfirmed social media reports alleging that approximately 9,000 students are experiencing flu-like symptoms within the division.

The SDO stated that the figures circulating are “still subject to validation” by its School Health and Nutrition Unit.

“The preliminary data was collected by school personnel through advisory-level surveys and has not yet undergone the necessary verification and cross-checking processes,” the SDO Angeles City said in a statement.

To accurately determine the number of affected students, the Division has coordinated with the City Health Office for an assessment.

“We understand the concern this news may have caused among parents, educators, and the general public,” the SDO added. “The health and well-being of our learners are our top priorities, and we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and urgency.”