MANILA — More than 40 local government units (LGUs) in Luzon suspended in-person classes on Monday in response to volcanic smog (vog) emanating from Taal Volcano, the Department of Education (DepEd) reported.
DepEd announced that the following LGUs shifted to blended learning for August 19, 2024, due to the ongoing volcanic activity:
METRO MANILA
- Muntinlupa
- Las Piñas
BATANGAS
- Balete
- Balayan
- Malvar
- Laurel
- San Jose
- Mataas na Kahoy
- Agoncillo
- San Nicolas
- Nasugbu
- Lemery
- Lian
- Talisay
- San Luis
- Alitagtag
- City of Calaca
- San Pascual
- Calatagan
- Tuy
- Cuenca
- Sta. Teresita
- Bauan
- San Juan
- Taal
- Padre Garcia
- Ibaan
CAVITE
- Silang
- Mendez
- Indang
- Alfonso
- GMA
- Carmona
- Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo
- Amadeo
- Maragondon
- Naic
- Carmona
LAGUNA
- Calamba
- Biñan
- Los Baños
Authorities advised residents to wear face masks and remain indoors where possible.
Taal Volcano remains under Alert Level 1, indicating that it is in an “abnormal condition” and still poses a potential threat of eruptive activity.
On Sunday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources recorded unhealthy air quality in parts of Metro Manila, contributing to the heightened caution.
DepEd issued Memorandum No. 46, Series of 2024, allowing schools in affected areas to suspend classes even in the absence of an official LGU announcement. The memorandum, signed by Secretary Sonny Angara, encouraged schools to implement alternative learning methods, such as modular or online learning, to maintain educational continuity.
“The decision to resume in-person classes will depend on the safety of students and staff. School personnel are advised to monitor updates from the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and other authorities,” the memorandum stated.
In the event of any incidents involving students or teachers, schools were directed to report these cases promptly to their DepEd Regional Office, which will forward the information to the Central Office.
DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Service has also activated a Rapid Assessment of Damages Report in response to the volcanic hazard.