The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Health (DOH) are closely monitoring students from two schools in Antique who reportedly suffered respiratory problems and other symptoms following suspected chemical exposure from a nearby farm.

This has prompted health and education authorities to launch an investigation into the incident.

In separate statements issued on July 2, the agencies shared updates and assured that the affected learners and school staff are being monitored and provided with necessary care.

The DepEd Schools Division Office (SDO) of Antique expressed deep concern over the “unfortunate incident” that occurred on July 2, which involved learners from Pis-anan National High School and Pis-anan Central School.

The SDO confirmed that students in the two schools experienced “breathing difficulties, stomachaches, and chest pains,” allegedly due to the inhalation of chemicals from a farm near the schools.

DepEd reported that “more than a hundred learners have been brought to the nearest hospitals for immediate medical attention.”

DepEd Antique, through its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Unit, is coordinating closely with the concerned local government units (LGUs), the DOH, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure that “all affected individuals receive proper care and support.”

“An investigation by the proper authorities is currently underway to determine the source, nature, and cause of the alleged chemical exposure,” the DepEd SDO Antique said.

“The heads of the affected schools have been directed to implement distance modular learning while containment, decontamination, and safety assessment procedures are being conducted,” it added.

Psychosocial support services are also being arranged for the affected learners and their families.

Meanwhile, DepEd SDO Antique commended the “swift response” of school personnel, local emergency units, healthcare workers, and municipal and provincial officials who “acted promptly to attend to the victims.”

“Rest assured that SDO Antique is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety of all learners, teachers, and school personnel across the division,” DepEd said.

The DOH, through its Western Visayas Center for Health Development, also responded to the incident involving a “foul odor” detected in the affected schools, in coordination with the Province of Antique.

“There have been no casualties, and the priority now is to keep the situation that way,” the DOH said.

The agency noted that more information will be provided as soon as possible, after it ensures the health and safety of the affected students, teachers, and staff.