Several local government units in the National Capital Region (NCR) and in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas have suspended classes in all levels, public and private, as well as work in the government on Friday, Sept. 22, due to smog caused by pollution and by emissions from Taal Volcano since Thursday, Sept. 21.
Volcanic smog blankets parts of Metro Manila and Southern Tagalog provinces on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (Mark Balmores)
Below is the list of areas covered by the class suspensions:
NCR
San Juan (All levels, both public and private)
Caloocan (All levels, both public and private starting 12 p.m.)
Parañaque (All levels, both public and private)
Muntinlupa (All levels, both public and private)
Pasay (All levels, both public and private)
Mandaluyong (All levels, both public and private starting 12 p.m.)
Marikina (All levels, both public and private starting 12 p.m.)
Las Piñas (All levels, both public and private)
Malabon (All levels, both public and private)
Navotas (All levels, both public and private)
Valenzuela (All levels, both public and private)
Pasig (All levels, both public and private starting 12 p.m.)
Manila (All levels, both public and private)
Quezon City (All levels, public schools)
Makati (All levels, both public and private)
NEARBY PROVINCES:
Cavite (All levels, both public and private)
Rizal
-Teresa (all levels, public and private)
-Binangonan (all levels both public and private)
-San Mateo (all levels both public and private)
-Tanay (all levels both public and private)
-Angono (all levels both public and private)
Laguna
-Biñan (all levels, public and private)
-Cabuyao (all levels, public and private)
-Los Baños (all levels, public and private)
-San Pedro (all levels, public and private)
Batangas
-Alitagtag (all levels, public and private)
-Balayan (all levels, public and private)
-Calatagan (all levels, public and private)
-Lian (all levels, public and private)
-Lemery (all levels, public and private)
-Nasugbu (all levels, public and private)
-Mataas na kahoy (all levels, public and private)
-San Luis (all levels, public and private)
-Sta. Teresita (all levels, public and private)
-Taal (all levels, public and private)
-Tanauan (all levels, public and private)
-Tuy (elementary, junior and senior high school, public and private)
Bulacan
-Sta. Maria (all levels,both public and private)
-Marilao (all levels, both public and private)
WORK SUSPENSION
The local governments of Caloocan and Valenzuela declared the suspension of afternoon work on Friday, Sept. 22, to ensure the safety of their employees from the harmful effects of smog that blanketed parts of Metro Manila.
According to the Public Information Offices (PIO) of the two cities, work in the city government will be suspended starting at 2 p.m., except for agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services and response to disasters and calamities, which shall continue their operations.
The Valenzuela City government also cancelled activities such as the Medical Mission in Canumay East National High School and Ugong 3S Centeron, and the Office of the 1st Congressional District Medical Mission in Marulas Central Elementary School on Saturday, Sept. 23.
The local government unit (LGU) also advised residents to continue wearing face masks and limit outdoor activities when possible.
Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda Aguilar ordered the suspension of work at 1:00 p.m. but said that agencies involved in delivering basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response and other vital services will continue their operations to ensure that the public’s essential need will be met even as precautionary measures are in place.
She also advised the public to wear face masks and limit outdoor activities especially those in high risk areas. She urged them to stay vigilant and to follow official channels for accurate and timely information.
Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez ordered the suspension of government work following the suspension of afternoon classes in both public and private schools in the city.
Olivarez made the order after the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS-DOST) warned about high levels of sulfur dioxide emission from Taal Volcano causing volcanic smog or vog.
The mayor ordered the offices that deliver vital services such as the Parañaque Traffic and Management Office; Special Operations and Communication Office; City Health Office (HEMS); Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office; OSPAR I and II; PSSD-Frontline Security; and CENRO- Disaster and Calamities Frontline Personnel, to remain open.
Olivarez advised residents to wear face masks.
Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano also suspended government work in the afternoon except for offices that need to respond to emergency cases.
Rubiano advised residents to take the necessary precaution.
(With reports from Patrick Ely Garcia, Aaron Homer Dioquino, Carla bauto Dena, Freddie Velkez, Hannah Nicol, Jean Fernando, Jonathan Hicap, Khriscielle Yalao, Nelson Andrade, and Rich Canlas.