Antique: Eight learners who remain admitted at Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital following a health emergency on Wednesday received PHP5,000 financial aid each from the Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Office-Western Visayas (DSWD-6) on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-6 Director Arwin Razo stated that the aid was provided based on an assessment conducted by social workers. In addition to the financial support, food packs were distributed to the affected learners.

The recipients are among the 268 learners from Pis-Anan National High School and Pis-Anan Elementary School who experienced symptoms such as chest pain and vomiting after inhaling a toxic chemical. Social Welfare and Development team leader Darlene Abagat noted that the department is still validating cases of learners admitted to the Ramon Maza Sr. Memorial District Hospital, with those still hospitalized being prioritized for assistance.

Data from the Antique Integrated Provincial Health Office indicates that 78 individuals were admitted to both hospitals. In response to the incident, face-to-face classes in Pis-Anan schools and nine elementary schools in neighboring villages have been suspended until Friday. The Department of Health is currently investigating the source of the pollutant.

In the interim, the Department of Education Schools Division of Antique has implemented an alternative delivery mode or modular classes to ensure the continuity of education for the affected learners.