A university in Baguio City has made masks mandatory on campus as a precaution against the spread of influenza-like illnesses, even as health officials report a drop in seasonal flu cases in the Cordillera region.

The advisory urges students, faculty and staff to wear masks while inside the campus, especially those experiencing symptoms such as cough, colds or other respiratory discomfort. The school said the move aims to reduce the risk of what it described as “super flu” transmission in crowded areas.

Health authorities backed the measure, calling it a sound public health practice in school settings.

“Ini-emphasize din naman natin ’yan as public health management measures doon sa school settings natin. Inu-observe natin ’yung mga respiratory etiquette, pagwi-wear ng mask sa schools lalo na crowded areas,” Clark Dizon, program manager for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases at the Department of Health–Cordillera, said.

The DOH-Cordillera said cases of seasonal flu, including influenza-like illnesses, dropped by 54 percent this January compared with the same period in 2025. However, officials warned the decline should not lead to complacency.

Health authorities said influenza-like illnesses spread easily and can lead to serious complications if not treated early, particularly in colder areas such as the Cordillera.

The DOH said it continues to encourage the public to observe proper respiratory etiquette and seek medical care promptly to help prevent the spread of viral infections and keep communities safe.

“Importante naman diyan yung magpa-checkup. Nandiyan naman ’yung mga health facility natin. Huwag natin hayaan na nahihirapan tayong huminga,” Dizon said.