DOH warns public vs health risks of Taal vog

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 Health (DOH) has advised residents near Taal Volcano to take precautionary measures against the effects of vog on the respiratory system.

The DOH issued the advisory on Monday after the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council of Talisay town in Batangas said that there is an “increased presence of vog in the area.”

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

“Kasalukuyang pinag-iingat ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan ang lahat higit lalo ang mga residenteng malapit sa Bulkang Taal dahil sa mataas na antas ng sulfur dioxide emission mula dito na nagdudulot ng volcanic smog o vog,” the statement reads.

(The Department of Health is cautioning everyone, especially residents near the Taal Volcano, due to the high level of sulfur dioxide emission from it that causes volcanic smog or vog.)

“Ang usok, o vog, ay masama sa kalusugan na maaaring magdulot ng iritasyon sa mga mata, lalamunan at respiratory tract na maaaring maging malubha depende sa konsentrasyon o tagal ng pagkalanghap,” it adds.

(The smoke, or vog, is unhealthy and can irritate the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract which can be severe depending on the concentration or duration of inhalation.)

Meanwhile, the Department of Education (DepEd) has authorized schools in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) and Metro Manila that are affected by vog 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’s release of vog over the past 24 hours.

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

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