1. In the interest of ensuring the orderly implementation of the School-Based Mass Deworming Activity and to allow the Department of Health (DOH) and other concerned agencies to complete the necessary review and issue official guidance, the implementation of the School-Based Mass Deworming Activity under Division Memorandum No. 519, s. 2026 is hereby temporarily suspended until further notice.
2. This temporary suspension is a precautionary administrative measure and shall not be construed as an indication of any confirmed safety concern regarding the deworming tablets used in the program. Deworming remains as a recognized public health intervention, and schools are advised to await further instructions based on the official guidance to be issued by the Department.
3. Accordingly, all schools are directed to temporarily defer the administration of deworming tablets, until the suspension is lifted through a subsequent issuance from this Office.
4. Schools are likewise advised to continue providing only verified information to parents and guardians and to refer any concerns regarding the School-Based Mass Deworming Activity to the Division Health and Nutrition Unit.
5. A separate Memorandum shall be issued once the implementation of the SchoolBased Mass Deworming Activity is authorized to resume.
6. For further inquiries, you may contact the Health and Nutrition Unit through email at hnu@depeddasma.edu.ph.
7. Immediate dissemination of and strict comp • with this Memorandum is earnestly desired.
