Eight students from Sta. Ana National High School in Davao City were given medical attention after allegedly experiencing dizziness while others fainted while practicing for their recital at a private auditorium evening on Monday, May 20, 2024.

One of the reasons authorities are looking into why the eight students got dizzy and fainted is hunger.

They were given food and water when responders arrived.

“Ang nahitabo was ang affected were the grade 7 learners. It’s their first time to present and practice on a big stage. And then out of their excitement, they woke up very early, they eat very little and then of course when we perform, it needs a lot of stamina and endurance,” Sta. Ana National High School Principal, Welito Rosal, said.

The air conditioner at the auditorium was also not turned on and students only used two big electric fans during several hours of practice.

Accordingly, the management of CAP Development Center and the school have agreed that the students may use the CAP auditorium for their rehearsal for free.

“Libre to siya nga rehearsal, meaning libre walay gi-provide nga aircon ang CAP management. So agreed na pud na between CAP and katung client nako,” CAP Development Center Coordinator, Marilyn Antonio, said.

The organizer of the rehearsal was reportedly told to bring electric fans as it was not the first time that there were people who fainted inside the auditorium.

“Unya giingnan na pud nako ang organizer mismo nga pagdala pud mo ug electric fan kay ing ana man pud nahitabo sa una walay fan ba walay hangin. Unless mubayad ta ug ipa-on ang aircon,” Antonio added.

As part of its policy improvement, the management said it will no longer allow users to utilize the auditorium without turning on the air conditioner.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is trying to reach the Department of Education-Davao (DepEd-11) for comment.

Police also urged parents to look after the welfare of their children.

“Ang mga ginikanan, specially sa mga nagdala sa mga bata, tan-awon nato ang welfare sa mga bata kung kaya ba nila ang whole day nga practice o dili kay ang number one lang nato diri is ang safety sa mga bata,” Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Spokesperson, Captain Hazel Tuazon, said.

The students have already recovered and were able to perform during their recital on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.