On August 20, 2024, visibility around Taal Volcano in Batangas had improved compared to the day before. The decrease in volcanic smog, or vog, was attributed to recent rainfall, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
Tereso Bacolcol, Director of DOST-PHIVOLCS, reported that the vog was present in several areas, including Laurel, San Nicolas, Agoncillo, Talisay, and others.
The volcanic plume has also reduced to 1,200 meters in height from over 2,000 meters previously.
Wind speeds in the area were around two meters per second.
Despite the improvement, face-to-face classes remained suspended in 28 towns and four cities in Batangas, as well as in all public and private schools in Laguna.
The suspension affects all educational levels.
The Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has not reported any hospitalizations related to the vog.
Dr. Amor Calayan, Head of PDRRMO Batangas, confirmed that while there have been complaints, no cases required hospitalization.
"Wala naman pumasok, pero they are complaining. Pero manageable naman, wala pang napapaano na hospitalized. Walang admission kami," Calayan said.
COMMUNITY RESPONSE
In response to the vog, Gregorio Abrogina, a resident, distributed face masks as a personal commitment after recovering from a lung illness.
"Ako po ay laging kahalubilo ng tao noon na naninigarilyo. Kaya sabi ko po kapag ako'y gumaling, ay dapat ang tao ay hindi na magkasakit ng ganang kung lulugal," Abrogina said.
Many businesses in Batangas and Tagaytay are operating normally despite the volcanic smog, with no reports of establishments closing due to the conditions.
"Wala naman kaming reported na establishment na nagsara because of the smog," Kim Fajardo, Vice President of the Tagaytay Tourism Council, said.
BOATING RESTRICTIONS
In Talisay, Batangas, boating activities are suspended until further notice to ensure safety.
"For the safety and the recommendation of our MDRRMO na wala munang boating activity, parang gloomy ang dating dito ngayon," Municipal Administrator Alfred Anciado said.
