More than 50 students from a public school in Mangatarem, Pangasinan were rushed to the hospital after experiencing dizziness, shortness of breath, and fainting spells believed to be caused by heat exhaustion.

According to the Mangatarem Police Station, a total of 54 students were brought to the hospital at past 3 p.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025, after they suddenly felt unwell while inside their classrooms.

Police Major Arturo Melchor, chief of Mangatarem Police Station, said they inspected the school grounds to rule out other possible causes.

“Nagpunta rin ako sa school mismo at nag-interview, tinignan ang surroundings kung may kakaibang amoy o anuman na nalanghap ng mga bata kung bakit sila nahimatay or nawalan ng malay at nahilo, so sa assessment natin wala namang mga ganun,” he said.

Quoting findings of attending doctors, the local government of Mangatarem said heat exhaustion, hyperventilation, and anxiety were the main causes of the students’ condition.

Melchor added that while it was not extremely hot that afternoon, the students had been practicing a dance activity prior to the incident.

“Hindi naman siya mainit masyado although according sa mga bata nag-practice sila ng parang sayaw that time, so probably doon nag-umpisa ‘yun at nag-add na lang ‘yung init ng panahon,” he said.

The Department of Education Regional Office 1 confirmed that the classrooms were well-ventilated.

“Well ventilated naman ang paaralan, may 4 na ceiling fan, may isang wall fan at may 2 stand fan, open din ang mga bintana, walang mga kurtina kaya masasabi nating well ventilated ang eskwelahan,” Cesar Bucsit, Public Affairs Unit Head of DepEd-1, said.

Face-to-face classes were suspended immediately after the incident but have since resumed.

Authorities said most of the affected students have fully recovered, except for one who remains under observation at the hospital.