By La Trinidad Mayor Suspends School Dress Uniform Requirement Amid Dengue Cases
La Trinidad Mayor Roderick Awingan has temporarily suspended the mandatory wearing of standard dress uniforms in public schools, allowing students to wear clothing that offers better protection against mosquito bites amid continuing dengue cases in the municipality.
Students in public schools across La Trinidad may temporarily wear protective clothing instead of their standard school dress uniforms as part of intensified measures against dengue.
Mayor Roderick C. Awingan issued Executive Order No. 102 on July 23, 2026, temporarily suspending the mandatory wearing of dress uniforms in all public elementary, secondary, and senior high schools within the municipality.
The order also institutionalizes the Department of Health’s 4S Strategy against dengue and directs barangays and schools to conduct regular clean-up drives and “search and destroy” operations targeting mosquito-breeding sites.
La Trinidad Records 95 Dengue Cases
According to municipal health data cited in the executive order, La Trinidad recorded 95 dengue cases from January to July 2026.
The municipal government said the active presence of dengue poses a particular health risk to school-aged children, students, and communities.
The order noted that standard school uniforms, including short-sleeved tops, skirts, and clothing made from thin fabric, may leave students’ arms and legs exposed to mosquitoes during school hours.
What Students May Wear
Under Executive Order No. 102, public school students are strongly advised to wear clothing that minimizes skin exposure, including:
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Full-length pants or slacks
- High socks
- Closed shoes
Students should still wear clothing that is clean, neat, and appropriate for school.
The order states that no student may be prevented from entering school premises, attending classes, or taking examinations solely because they are not wearing the standard school uniform.
Private educational institutions in La Trinidad are also highly encouraged to adopt similar flexible clothing policies.
Barangays and Schools Ordered to Conduct Clean-Up Drives
The executive order directs all 16 barangays and schools in La Trinidad to conduct regular clean-up drives and mosquito-control activities.
These include “search and destroy” operations intended to locate and eliminate stagnant water and other possible breeding places of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.
Common mosquito-breeding sites may include uncovered water containers, discarded tires, flowerpots, clogged drains, bottles, cans, and other objects where water can accumulate.
DOH 4S Strategy Against Dengue
The municipal government also directed the implementation of the Department of Health’s 4S Strategy:
1. Search and Destroy Mosquito-Breeding Sites
Residents are encouraged to regularly inspect homes, schools, workplaces, and surrounding areas and remove containers or objects that may collect stagnant water.
2. Use Self-Protection Measures
People may wear long sleeves and pants, use mosquito repellents, and install screens or mosquito nets where appropriate.
3. Seek Early Consultation
Anyone experiencing symptoms associated with dengue should immediately seek medical advice, especially when fever persists or is accompanied by body pain, headache, rashes, vomiting, unusual bleeding, or severe weakness.
4. Say No to Indiscriminate Fogging
Fogging should only be conducted when recommended by health authorities during outbreaks or when there is an increased concentration of dengue cases. It should not replace regular cleaning and the removal of mosquito-breeding sites.
Community Cooperation Encouraged
The La Trinidad municipal government emphasized that dengue prevention requires sustained and coordinated action from barangays, schools, families, and the wider community.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to help children choose protective but comfortable clothing and regularly check their homes and surroundings for possible mosquito-breeding areas.
The temporary suspension of school dress uniform requirements will remain subject to the provisions and duration stated under Executive Order No. 102.
