Batangas in-person classes suspended due to vog

BATANGAS, Philippines – Classes in elementary and high school in several schools in this province have been suspended as volcanic smog or vog from Taal Volcano blanketed the area.

In a meeting with officials of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and Department of Education, James Angelo Año of DepEd- Batangas said five schools in Agoncillo, 13 in Talisay and 21 in Laurel conducted modular distance learning or alternative delivery mode yesterday.

In-person classes in the schools will remain suspended today.

Año said the decision was based on DepEd Order No. 37 or the guidelines on the cancellation or suspension of classes and work in schools during natural disasters, power outages and other calamities.

In Balete, municipal disaster risk reduction and management officer (PDRRMO) Jocelyn Tangpuz said six senior high school students experienced skin rashes, difficulty in breathing and asthma attack due to vog.

PDRRMO officer Amor Calayan urged residents near Taal Lake to limit their exposure to vog by avoiding unnecesary outdoor activities.

Calayan said residents should use N95 masks for their protection.

Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, indicating low-level unrest.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has warned the public against vog as sulphur dioxide emissions from Taal  have increased since last week.