#WalangPasok: Batangas towns suspend classes over Taal’s volcanic smog

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 21) – Several municipalities in Batangas have announced the suspension of classes on Friday, Sept. 22, due to Taal’s continuous release of volcanic smog or vog, a toxic gas which can severely irritate the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract.

The following Batangas towns have suspended classes at all levels in public and private schools tomorrow:

As of Friday morning, classes in the following areas have been suspended:

Cavite

All levels in public and private: 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.

Batangas

Shift 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

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 under Alert Level 1, meaning the caldera is under abnormal condition and “should not be interpreted to have ceased unrest nor ceased the threat of eruptive activity.”

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

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), vog is particularly harmful to individuals with asthma, lung disease, heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women, and children.