Sulfur dioxide odor from restive Kanlaon Volcano caused the cancellation of face-to-face classes in 14 schools in Bago City, Negros Occidental, on Wednesday, Sept. 25.
Moises Padilla, La Carlota City, La Castellana and Pontevedra also reported sulfur dioxide odor in some barangays on Tuesday, Irene Bel Ploteña Provincial Disaster Management Program Division (PDMPD) head, said.
Ploteña said residents in the affected areas, especially children and the vulnerable, are urged to wear masks.
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.
Face masks donations for the school children are needed, Ian Arnold Arnaez, Negros Occidental Schools Division spokesperson, said.
Kanlaon Volcano emitted 8,973 tons of sulfur dioxide and had 10 volcanic earthquakes from 12 a.m. Tuesday to 12 a.m. Wednesday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.
Neri Anne Alibuyog, Bago Schools Division Superintendent, said they cancelled face-to-face classes in 12 elementary and two secondary schools in Bago City and shifted to blended learning on Wednesday.
If there is no more sulfur smell face-to-face classes could resume on Thursday, she said.
Children had already been advised to wear masks earlier, she said.
Sulfur dioxide odor hit La Carlota City on Tuesday but the smell was gone on Wednesday, Mayor Rex Jalandoon said.
Mayor Ella Garcia Yulo said the sulfur smell that hit 19 schools in Moises Padilla on Tuesday had also dissipated.
Yulo said she leaves it to the discretion of the school principals to cancel classes when needed.
Five schools reported sulfur dioxide odor in La Castellana on Tuesday, John de Asis, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office head, said.
He said they are appealing for face masks donations for the schools.*