Metro Manila, Philippines – The smog in Metro Manila is not related to the volcanic smog or vog from the Taal Volcano, according to Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr.
In an interview with NewsWatch Plus on the sidelines of a caravan in Batanes, Solidum said pollution caused the smog in the capital region on Monday.
“Pero ito hindi umaabot sa Metro Manila. Ang Metro Manila, exhaust iyan ng mga pollution diyan galing sa kotse, at doon naman nage-emit. Dahil nga hindi malakas ang hangin iyong pollutants galing sa mga sasakyan na nandon lang,” he said.
[Translation: The vog didn’t reach Metro Manila. What caused the smog in NCR was pollution from cars. No strong winds, so the pollutants come from vehicles]
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) observed vog across the skies hovering Taal Volcano area after the volcano emitted over 3,000 tons of sulfur dioxide on Aug. 15. The volcano remains under Alert Level 1.
Classes in Metro Manila and Calabarzon have also been suspended due to Taal’s seismic activities.
“Dapat intindihin ng ating nag-dedecide kung sakali mang magpasuspinde ‘e because of the pollution not because of the volcano,” said Solidum.
[Translation: Those who suspend classes must understand that it’s because of the pollution not the volcano]
As for the vog in Taal, Solidum said this lasts depending on atmospheric conditions.
He advised affected residents to take precautionary measures.
“Mag-mask if they will go out, magsarado ng bintana kapag meron. Kung nakalanghap, uminom ng tubig para di maging itchy yung throat. Maligo kung nabalutan sila ng smog,” Solidum said.
[Translation: They should wear mask if they go outdoors. Close the window if there’s vog. If you detect vog and inhale it, drink water so your throat won’t get itchy. Take a bath if you’ve been exposed to smog.]
