A learner of the Pis-Anan National High School in Sibalom, Antique is transported for treatment after inhaling a toxic chemical on Wednesday (July 2, 2025). The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Western Visayas has released PHP5,000 aid each to eight learners who remain admitted at Salazar Memorial General Hospital. (PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay)
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Eight learners who remain admitted at Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital after a health emergency on Wednesday received PHP5,000 financial aid each from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Office-Western Visayas (DSWD-6) on Friday.
DSWD-6 Director Arwin Razo said they based the provision of aid on the result of the assessment conducted by social workers. Food packs were also given away.
The recipients were among the 268 learners from Pis-Anan National High School and Pis-Anan Elementary School who complained of chest pain while others vomited after inhaling a toxic chemical.
Social Welfare and Development team leader Darlene Abagat said they are still in the process of validating the learners confined at the Ramon Maza Sr. Memorial District Hospital. Those still in hospitals are being prioritized.
Based on data from the Antique Integrated Provincial Health Office, 78 were admitted to both hospitals.
Meanwhile, face-to-face classes in both schools and in the nine elementary schools in adjacent villages remain suspended until Friday as the pollutant is being investigated by the Department of Health.
The Department of Education Schools Division of Antique is implementing the alternative delivery mode or modular classes for the affected learners. (PNA)