NUMEROUS local government units in Metro Manila and nearby provinces have declared suspension of classes on Friday, September 22, due to the ongoing release of volcanic smog, known as vog, courtesy of Taal Volcano.

Vog is a noxious gas that can cause severe irritation to the eyes, throat, and respiratory system.

The following LGUs have suspended classes in both public and private schools across all grade levels for the upcoming day:

Province of Cavite

  • Magallanes
  • Kawit
  • Ternate
  • Silang
  • Alfonso
  • Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo (Bailen)
  • Gen. Trias
  • Mendez
  • Naic
  • Imus
  • Cavite City
  • Noveleta
  • Trece Martires
  • Maragondon
  • Tagaytay City
  • Dasmariñas City
  • Tanza
  • Rosario
  • Indang
  • Bacoor City
  • Gen. Mariano Alvarez
  • Carmona
  • Amadeo

Province of Batangas

Shifted to modular learning:

  • Barigon ES
  • Mahabang Gulod ES
  • Bilibinwang ES
  • Banyaga ES
  • Banyaga NHS
  • Lemery

All levels in public and private:

  • Balayan
  • Calatagan
  • Lian
  • Nasugbu
  • Tanauan City
  • San Nicolas
  • Balete
  • Tuy
  • Calaca
  • Taal

Province of Laguna

All levels in public and private:

  • San Pedro

Metro Manila

All levels in public and private:

  • Las Piñas
  • Muntinlupa
  • Parañaque
  • Pasay
  • San Juan

Taal Volcano is currently at Alert Level 1, signifying an abnormal condition in the caldera. This alert level should not be interpreted as a cessation of unrest or the end of the threat of eruptive activity.

The Taal region has been grappling with vog since early September due to the volcano’s continuous degassing activity.

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), vog poses particular risks to individuals with conditions such as asthma, lung disease, heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women, and children.

City and municipal disaster chiefs of Batangas have already convened on September 20, 2023, to evaluate the impact of the hazardous volcanic smog (vog) emanating from Taal volcano and its potential consequences for the Batangas communities.

Dr. Amor Calayan, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, spearheaded the meeting at the Dalubhasaan Building, Provincial Sports Complex, Batangas City.

This gathering, held in collaboration with various City and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) within the province, was primarily aimed to review reports from the affected areas surrounding Taal Volcano regarding the smog’s impact.

According to Jocelyn Tangpuz, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer of Balete, six senior high school students experienced skin irritation, breathing difficulties, and some even suffered asthma attacks due to the vog.

Furthermore, the estimated agricultural damage now stands at ₱1.9 million. (ai/mnm)