DepEd: Schools affected by Taal vog may suspend in-person classes

FILE PHOTO: The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) says Taal Volcano again showed a degassing activity that produced “thick volcanic smog or vog” on June 7, 2024. (Photo courtesy of Phivolcs)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has authorized schools in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) and Metro Manila that are affected by the vog from Taal Volcano to suspend in-person classes even without an official announcement from their respective local government units.

The DepEd issued the directive on Monday following Taal Volcano’s release of vog over the past 24 hours.

“In light of the recent eruption of Taal Volcano and the release of vog in the past 24 hours, the Department of Education is authorizing affected schools to suspend classes in the absence of an official announcement from the local government units,” the agency said.

“To ensure learning continuity in affected areas, DepEd instructs schools to employ alternative delivery modalities such as modular or online learning,” it added.

According to the DepEd, the decision to lift the suspension will depend on “whether it is safe for learners and teachers to return” to the schools.

It also advised schools to report casualties such as displacements, injuries, or other incidents involving learners and teachers to the agency’s regional office.

Earlier, parts of Batangas and Cavite announced class suspensions or a shift to modular learning due to vog.

READ: LIST: Aug 19 class suspensions due to volcanic smog from Taal

On Sunday, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council of Talisay town in Batangas said there is an “increased presence of vog in the area.”

“This is due to the ongoing degassing activity of Taal Volcano,” it added.