Classes in several areas across the country will remain suspended on Tuesday, August 20, as a precautionary measure due to the volcanic smog or “vog” emitted by Taal Volcano. With the volcano’s ongoing activity, local governments have issued announcements canceling face-to-face classes to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school staff.
The areas that have declared class suspensions from Kindergarten to College, for both public and private schools, include the following:
Towns in Batangas
- Bauan
- Calatagan
- San Juan
- Taal
Towns and Cities in Cavite
- General Trias City
- Amadeo
- Imus
- Kawit
- Magallanes
- Rosario
- Tanza
Towns in Laguna
- San Pablo City
Volcanic smog, or “vog,” is composed of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emitted by the volcano. When mixed with air and moisture, it causes pollution that can pose health risks, particularly to individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma. To minimize the risks, residents are advised to limit their exposure to the vog and wear face masks when necessary.
According to experts, vog can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. It may also lead to difficulty breathing and trigger coughing, especially among the elderly and children. Authorities have reminded the public to follow health advisories and maintain cleanliness in their surroundings to avoid additional complications.
The suspension of classes is part of the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of everyone. In addition, local officials have been instructed to prepare contingency plans in case the situation around Taal Volcano worsens. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) continues to closely monitor the volcano’s condition and advises residents in the surrounding areas to remain vigilant and prepared for any changes.
For further updates, the public is encouraged to stay informed through official agencies such as PHIVOLCS and their local government units.