The Department of Health announced the first case of monkeypox (Mpox) in the Philippines in 2024, prompting the Department of Education (DepEd) to take precautions to protect students and teachers.

In Mangaldan, Pangasinan, each school has prepared an isolation room where students or teachers showing symptoms can be brought to.

"Mayroon naman tayong mga isolation areas doon sa ating mga schools, at mayroon tayong mga established clinics," Dr. Marjorie Pudin from DepEd-1’s Support Services Division said.

Mangaldan National High School has an operational clinic with a school nurse ready to attend to students needing medical attention.

"Open talaga ang clinic namin para ‘yan sa lahat ng may dinaramdam," Principal Eduardo Castillo said.

Kazeer Zaragoza, a student, said maintaining personal hygiene remains the most crucial step in preventing any illness.

"Dapat talaga palagi maghugas ng kamay, malinis sa katawan, at kung nararamdaman na magpa check up na," Zaragoza said.

DepEd will also strengthen health protocols in schools, though wearing face masks is not yet required.

They advised students and teachers to stay home if one feels unwell.

"Though kunwari nag-onset ang fever within ‘yung time na ‘yun na nasa school ang isang bata or ang teacher, of course i-isolate muna at saka pauuwiin na natin," Pudin said.