ANGELES CITY — The city government here has successfully conducted disinfection in 106 schools — 51 public and 55 private — on Feb. 1, 2025 as part of efforts to prevent the spread of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD).
The initiative, led by Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr., forms part of the city’s intensified response to curb the spread of HFMD, following suspected cases reported in local schools.
Public and private school officials expressed their gratitude for the prioritization of health and safety in their institutions.
Lucky Paul David, Principal of Abelardo G. Tinio Elementary School, emphasized the importance of the city’s swift action in ensuring the safety of students.
“This is a significant step in protecting our learners from HFMD. It proves that our local government is always a reliable partner, not only in education but also in safeguarding the health of Angeleño children,” David said.
Hermes Vargas, Principal of Francis G. Nepomuceno Memorial High School,*
also lauded the city’s proactive measures in keeping schools safe.
“As a public school official, I appreciate the initiative of the local government of Angeles City under the leadership of Mayor Lazatin. This shows that they stand with us in ensuring the safety of our learners, teachers, non-teaching personnel, and even parents. May this effort continue—hats off!,” Vargas stated.
Likewise, Sapangbato National High School Principal Dr. Abdon Aguilar extended his gratitude to Mayor Lazatin for prioritizing public health and education.
“On behalf of the entire Sapangbato National High School community, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Lazatin for his unwavering commitment to the health and safety of our students, teachers, and staff. Your initiative to conduct the disinfection of schools against HFMD is a testament to your dedication to public health and education,” Aguilar said.
Aguilar further noted that this proactive measure reassures parents and guardians that their children’s well-being is a priority.
Cherry Hipolito, Principal of Tacondo Elementary School, highlighted the significant impact of the local government’s proactive measures in ensuring the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff.
“The initiative and swift actions have significantly contributed to safeguarding the health of our students, faculty, and staff. With the continued support, we are confident that we can prevent the further spread of HFMD and maintain a safe, healthy environment for all,” Hipolito said.
Barangay officials also lauded the city’s swift response.
“Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng binigay n’yong prayoridad sa aming barangay,” said Kap. Jessie Masbang of Barangay Cutud.
“Sa lahat po ng bumubuo ng disinfection team, sa serbisyong may puso at pag-priority sa kaligtasan ng mga tao, dakal pung salamat,” said Kap. Ma. Corazon Alejandrino of Barangay Pandan.
Among the teams leading the disinfection are from Angeles City Barangay Outreach, led by Michael Lising; Angeles City Environment and Natural Resources Office, headed by Jenifer Castro; City Health Office, led by Dr. Verona Guevarra supervised by Sanitation Division Chief Alvin Dingal; andEnvironmental Management System and Angeles City Traffic Development Office, both headed by Francis Pangilinan.
The said disinfection efforts were supervised by Chief Adviser IC Calaguas with Executive Assistant IV Reina Manuel.
Further, General Services Office employees, led by Evangeline Malonzo, provided the logistic support.
The disinfection team reported that some private schools were closed during the scheduled disinfection, including Angeles Adventist Elementary School, Pax Et Lumen International Academy Inc., and Building Block International Academy Inc.
Dr. Guevarra meanwhile explained that the city government is utilizing Anolyte, an advanced disinfectant solution that is safe, effective, and eco-friendly to ensure thorough sanitation while minimizing health risks for our students.
With health and safety as a top priority, the city remains committed to proactive measures in safeguarding students and the community, also to conduct disinfection in all day care centers starting on Feb. 3, 2025.
