CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) – The municipal government of Arayat has mandated the wearing of face masks among students in all educational institutions amid a reported increase in influenza-like illnesses in the town.
Under Executive Order No. 20, series of 2025, signed on October 22, Mayor Jeffrey Luriz directed all students in public and private schools from preschool to tertiary to wear face masks inside school premises and during school-related activities until further notice.
“It is necessary to implement precautionary measures to protect students, teachers, and school staff and to prevent further spread of the virus in schools across the municipality,” the mayor said.
The policy was issued following the Municipal Health Office’s (MHO) report of a noticeable increase in influenza and flu-like illness among students which poses potential risks to public health, particularly in crowded environments such as classrooms.
“Preventive health measures, including the wearing of face masks have been proven effective in reducing the transmission of influenza and other airborne respiratory infections,” Luriz noted.
School administrators, in coordination with the MHO and the Department of Education (DepEd)-Arayat District, were tasked to ensure strict compliance and monitoring of the EO.
The measure takes effect immediately and will remain in force until lifted or amended upon the recommendation of the MHO.
The local chief executive reminded the public that non-compliance may warrant administrative action in accordance with existing health and safety ordinances of the municipality.
“This order shall support the promotion of health and safety of its constituents,” he said. (MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
