Classes at all levels in both public and private schools across Negros Oriental will be suspended on Friday, August 7, 2026, following a rise in conjunctivitis — commonly known as sore eyes — in several areas of the province.
Governor Manuel L. Sagarbarria issued Executive Order No. 50, Series of 2026, on Wednesday, August 5, ordering the province-wide suspension upon the recommendation of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO).
Governor Acts on IPHO Recommendation
The executive order covers all public and private educational institutions at every level throughout Negros Oriental. According to the order, the increase in conjunctivitis cases in multiple areas of the province prompted health officials to recommend measures that would reduce close contact among students, teachers, and school employees.
The provincial government said the one-day suspension would allow affected students and personnel to rest and seek medical attention, while giving schools sufficient time to carry out cleaning, disinfection, and sanitation activities on their campuses.
Mandatory Disinfection of School Premises
All school heads, administrators, and responsible officials of public and private educational institutions were directed under the executive order to clean and disinfect their entire campuses and facilities during the suspension period.
According to Executive Order No. 50, the sanitation measures must cover classrooms, offices, comfort rooms, clinics, handrails, desks, chairs, learning equipment, and other frequently touched surfaces — areas identified as high-risk for the spread of infection in a school environment.
Why Conjunctivitis Spreads Quickly in Schools
Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can spread rapidly in school settings due to close physical interaction, shared surfaces, and the frequent use of common facilities such as comfort rooms and canteens.
Common symptoms, as noted in the executive order, include redness, irritation, itching, excessive tearing, and eye discharge. Residents experiencing any of these symptoms were advised not to touch or rub their eyes and to limit contact with other people to help prevent further transmission.
Health Authorities to Monitor Situation Closely
The IPHO, in coordination with Schools Division Offices, local government units, and school authorities, was directed to monitor the evolving health situation and issue additional advisories or recommendations as necessary, the executive order stated.
The Department of Education, school administrators, and heads of educational institutions were also authorized to implement alternative learning arrangements, make-up classes, or other measures permitted under existing laws and regulations to mitigate any disruption to the academic calendar.
The order emphasized that the health and welfare of students and school personnel must remain the primary consideration in adopting any such alternative arrangements.
Hygiene Reminders for Parents and School Personnel
The provincial government issued public health reminders alongside the suspension order. Parents, guardians, learners, teachers, and non-teaching personnel were advised to observe proper hygiene and infection-prevention practices, including frequent handwashing and avoiding unnecessary close physical contact.
Residents were also cautioned not to share personal belongings — such as towels, handkerchiefs, or eye drops — and to seek immediate medical consultation if symptoms of sore eyes appear.
Order Takes Effect Immediately, Broad Dissemination Ordered
Executive Order No. 50 took effect immediately upon its issuance on August 5, 2026. The provincial government directed all concerned local government units, schools, and official communication channels to immediately disseminate the suspension order to ensure public awareness and compliance across the province.
By the Numbers
- August 7, 2026 — Date of the province-wide class suspension
- August 5, 2026 — Date Executive Order No. 50, Series of 2026 was issued
- 1 day — Duration of the suspension ordered by Governor Sagarbarria
- All levels — Suspension applies to both public and private schools from basic to higher education
Why This Matters
The province-wide class suspension affects thousands of students, teachers, and non-teaching personnel across all public and private schools in Negros Oriental, reflecting the scale of the conjunctivitis outbreak as assessed by the Integrated Provincial Health Office. The mandatory disinfection requirement gives schools a structured opportunity to reduce transmission risks before regular classes resume. With the IPHO authorized to issue further advisories, the situation remains under active monitoring and additional measures could follow if case numbers continue to rise.
Photo credit: Photo courtesy of the Negros Oriental Provincial Government