Schools suspend F2F classes, students wear masks due to Kanlaon fumes

BACOLOD CITY–Some schools canceled face-to-face classes, and learners wore face masks in local government units (LGUs) located in the vicinity of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Occidental due to the sulfurous odor coming from the active volcano following the increase in its seismic activity since early this month.

On Wednesday, at least 14 public schools in Bago City, including 12 elementary and two secondary schools, shifted to blended learning, based on the list provided by the Department of Education (DepEd).

Bago City Schools Division Superintendent Neri Anne Alibuyog said, in an interview, the learners were given modules to study at home until classes resumed.

She said the affected schools are in the villages of Louisiana, Ma-ao, and Ilijan.

“We will continue to observe the situation, and once it is okay, we will resume classes tomorrow. The learnings of the schoolchildren can be substituted by giving them modules. We just want to keep them safe,” she added.

Alibuyog said the DepEd is closely coordinating with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology for updates.

“The learners have also been made aware of the need to wear face masks. They have been advised to wear masks for safety,” she said.

In Moises Padilla, the volcanic fumes have affected students in 19 public schools since Tuesday.

These schools are located in barangays Montilla, Odiong, Inolingan, Magallon Cadre, Macagahay and Crossing Magallon.

Mayor Ella Celestina Garcia-Yulo said she is leaving it to the discretion of school principals whether or not to suspend face-to-face classes.

In a public advisory, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office encouraged residents to wear face masks for protection from possible irritants and to remain vigilant and observe the surroundings.

Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Irene Bel Ploteña said that aside from Bago City and Moises Padilla, the sulfurous odor was observed in La Carlota City, La Castellana, and Pontevedra.

She also said they have requested the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to check the sulfur dioxide level in the affected areas.

“We are also coordinating with the Provincial Health Office for the request for face mask supply,” she added.

Mt. Kanlaon has remained under Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) since its explosive eruption last June 3. (PNA)