Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon announced the suspension of face-to-face classes in all levels in public and private schools in Muntinlupa effective 10 a.m. on Aug. 19 due to unhealthy air quality brought about by the volcanic smog, or vog, from Taal Volcano.
The volcanic smog has reached Muntinlupa that resulted in “unhealthy” air quality, according to the Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management (MCDDRM).
In a live broadcast on Facebook, Biazon said the decision to suspend face-to-face classes was based on consultation with the Schools Division Office of Muntinlupa, other educational institutions and MCDDRM.
As of 8:45 a.m. on Aug. 19, air quality in Muntinlupa remained at "unhealthy" level (MCDDRM)
He said that while the level of pollutants due to the smog has decreased in Muntinlupa, the city remained at high risk in air quality.
The mayor advised people to wear face masks when going out of their homes.
According to the MCDDRM, as of 8:45 a.m. on Aug. 19, air quality in Muntinlupa remained at the “unhealthy” level with 88 µg/m3 PM2.5 concentration.
PM means particulate matter, “the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected using an electron microscope,” according to the website of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
PM2.5 refers to “fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.”
According to the IQAir website, the air quality index in Muntinlupa is 166, or unhealthy level, with 77µg/m3 PM2.5 concentration, “currently 15.4 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value.”
In an advisory on Aug. 19, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Taal Volcano is a Alert Level 1, or low-level unrest.
Under Alert Level 1, “Abnormal parameters: Moderate level of seismic activity with some felt events; Main Crater Lake gas (diffuse CO2) emission >1,000 tonnes/day, slight increases in fumarole and/or Main Crater Lake temperatures and acidity; Slight and/or localized inflationary ground deformation changes in TVI [Taal Volcano Island].”
“Hydrothermal or tectonic activity beneath the volcano may be occurring; steam-driven, gas or hydrothermal explosions can occur without warning,” according to the PHIVOLCS alert level scheme.