Tayabas City Prioritizes Student Health Amidst ILI and PLI Concerns, Implements Proactive Measures

TAYABAS CITY – In a decisive move to protect the well-being of its youngest constituents, the City of Tayabas heeded the call of Provincial Governor Angelina “Doktora Helen” D.L. Tan, who announced through a memorandum the suspension of classes at all levels, both public and private, beginning immediately on October 16, 2025. This critical move came as the Philippines is increasingly concerned about the spread of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Pneumonia-like Illness (PLI), highlighting the local government’s proactive approach to public health, particularly among students.

The importance of putting health first, especially for children and students, cannot be overstated. Children and teenagers are especially vulnerable to respiratory diseases, and crowded school environments can favor fast transmission. Suspending classes not only decreases potential exposure, but also provides a key interval for implementing broader preventative efforts without risking further spread within educational institutions.

Tayabas City Mayor Anthony A. Lim, with the assistance of City Councilor Riza Mae Llaneta, called an urgent health conference with local health officials, health personnel, and barangay health workers (BHWs) to strategize and strengthen measures to stop the spread of ILI and PLI. The meeting aimed to improve neighborhood surveillance, disseminate correct health information, and coordinate grassroots reaction actions. This collaborative strategy demonstrated the local government’s commitment to a community-wide effort to fight the health danger.

Following the class suspension, the LGU Tayabas City, on the direct initiative of Mayor Lim and City Councilor Janne Phaula A. Nadres, immediately initiated massive disinfection activities in coordination with local Sangguniang Barangay officials. All public elementary and high schools in the city were visited and thoroughly sanitized to provide a clean and safe environment for kids when they returned. This proactive strategy attempted to eliminate potential fomites while reducing the danger of future transmission, reflecting the LGU’s commitment to student safety and care.

The initiative did not stop at disinfection. Along with the cleanliness initiatives, Mayor Lim and other LGU officials, including City Administrator, Atty. Last October 16-18, 2025, Voltaire Dela Cruz, City Engineer Christian Taman̈o, City Health Officer Dr. Hernando Marque, CDRRM Officer Dr. Rosario Bandelaria, General Services Officer Cecille Potestades, CHO-Environmental Health and Sanitation Section staff, Tayabas-Bureau of Fire Protection officials, and other local offices collaborated to inspect public school buildings and facilities for structural soundness and overall safety. This dual strategy meant that kids not only returned to a healthy environment, but also to safe and conducive learning conditions.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod played an important role in promoting and strengthening these executive measures. As the legislative body, the Sangguniang Panlungsod provided the legal framework and budgetary resources required to effectively combat the spread of ILI and PLI. Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, led by Councilors Riza Mae A. Llaneta and Janne Phaula A. Nadres, had been actively working with Mayor Lim’s office to demonstrate a united front against the health crisis. This collaboration entails efficient stakeholder communication, legislative support for class suspension and disinfection initiatives, and engaging their respective communities in health awareness programs. Their devotion has ensured that the local government’s health response is broad, well-funded, and legally solid.

“The health and safety of our children are of the utmost importance,” said Mayor Lim. “The decision to suspend classes, coupled with our disinfection and inspection efforts, reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting our community. We are working tirelessly with our health workers and the Sangguniang Panlungsod to ensure that every Tayabasin is well-informed and equipped to handle the current health situation.” Mayor Lim encouraged Tayabasin residents who are experiencing any illness to immediately go to the City Health Office.  .” He stressed to, “go for a check-up immediately because the City Health Office currently has an Out Patient Department (OPD) that is open 24 hours a day for the people of Tayabas.” 

Councilor Llaneta emphasized that the goal of these restrictions is to break the chain of transmission, protect vulnerable groups, and lessen the strain on local health systems. Councilor Nadres, on the other hand, stated that at this critical time, it is critical to raise public awareness of ILI and PLI symptoms, as well as take preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, correct cough etiquette, and seek quick medical assistance as needed.

Both the City Mayor and Sangguniang Panlungsod members were praised for their persistent efforts to ensure that their citizens are well-informed, well-served, and understand how to react to and manage the dangers posed by ILI and PLI. Their coordinated approach demonstrated Tayabas City’s commitment to public health, which ensured the safety and well-being of all residents. As the situation evolves, the LGU remained attentive, ready to take more steps to protect its people.