The Batangas provincial government is keeping a close watch on the effects of the Taal Volcano’s smog or vog on the province.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer led a meeting with the the DRRM officers of the cities and municipalities in Batangas on Wednesday to discuss how the smog has affected them.
Balete MDRRM Officer Jocelyn Tangpuz reported that six high school students experienced skin itching, difficulty breathing, and asthma attacks because of the vog. She also said the vog had caused agricultural damage worth P1.9 million.
On the other hand, several schools in the towns of Agoncillo and Laurel and Tanauan City returned to Modular Distance Learning or Alternative Delivery Mode due to the vog.
The Department of Education said high school principals and local government units are allowed to suspend classes during calamities, which include the restiveness of Taal Volcano.
Taal Volcano remains under Alter Level 1, which indicates an abnormal condition with a potential for eruption.
The PDRRMO called on residents around Taal Lake to avoid going out for non-essential activities to minimize exposure to the sulfur dioxide coming from the volcano.
They are also advised to use N95 masks with code 1860 to protect themselves from the volcanic smog and its effects.
