Manila, July 10 -- E.B. Magalona town in Negros Occidental suspended face-to-face classes in some public elementary schools Thursday and Friday to address the reported cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) among learners.

In an executive order, Mayor Matthew Louis Malacon directed the two-day class suspension to allow the conduct of necessary public health interventions.

"During this period, classes will shift to the alternative delivery mode using the emergency learning kit," he said.

The suspension applies to Nanca Elementary School, E.B. Magalona Elementary School, and all child development centers in the northern Negros municipality.

As of July 9, E.B. Magalona has recorded 18 cases: five in Barangay Alicante; three each i...