A TOTAL of 268 students from two schools in Barangay Pis-anan, Sibalom, Antique, were affected by a suspected toxic exposure, prompting health authorities to initiate laboratory testing that may take up to 10 days, the Provincial Department of Health Office (PDOHO) of Antique said.
Dr. Rommel Garganera, head of PDOHO, said during a press conference Thursday, July 3, 2025, that swab samples were collected on Wednesday from surrounding areas of Pis-anan National High School.
The students reportedly fell ill after inhaling a foul odor similar to "rotting guava-like stench."
"The samples have already been sent to the Ateneo de Manila University laboratory for thorough analysis," Garganera said. "The results will be out in seven to 10 days. We are coordinating efforts to fast-track the release."
The stench, suspected to be caused by a toxic substance, led to a sudden increase in emergency cases at local hospitals beginning Wednesday morning.
Affected students experienced symptoms, including difficulty in breathing, fainting, chest pain, nausea, headaches, vomiting, and chills. The smell was initially concentrated near the high school but eventually spread across other parts of Barangay Pis-anan.
In response, classes in both the elementary and high school levels in the barangay remain suspended as the investigation continues and students are still recovering.
Department of Education (DepEd) – Schools Division of Antique information officer Eric Cortejo said that the suspension will remain in effect while they await guidance from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and local government officials.
Cortejo said the resumption of classes will be contingent on approval from the PDRRMO and local chief executives.
Broderick Train, officer of the PDRRMO, confirmed that the Department of Health has advised cleaning and decontamination of school buildings and surrounding areas.
"We are working with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to hose down school premises to eliminate any possible remaining traces of the toxic substance," Train said.
The incident remains under investigation, and local health authorities continue to monitor the condition of the affected students.
Antique strengthens preparedness
Governor Paolo Javier led the PDRRMC in a Special Full Council Meeting aftert the press conferrece on July 3, 2025, at the Office of the PDRRMO in Binirayan Hills, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, to map out the province’s next steps following the public health emergency in Barangay Pis-anan, Sibalom, and to prepare for the rainy season.
The meeting addressed ongoing responses and future actions related to the Pis-anan incident, which prompted the temporary suspension of classes at Pis-anan National High School and Pis-anan Elementary School until July 4 to allow for full decontamination of the facilities.
Mental health and psychosocial support services are being provided to affected students, teachers, and families, while health teams continue to monitor patients in the area.
“This was a very healthy coordination,” Javier said. “I hope that in the future, whatever challenges we faced in this incident, we will be able to rectify them and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our response for the welfare of our fellow Antiqueños.”
The provincial government is now reinforcing its public health and environmental safety protocols. This includes renewed information campaigns and inter-agency coordination to avoid a repeat of the incident.
Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Gina Jordan also recommended seeking technical assistance from the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority to determine the cause, as residents suspect pesticide exposure due to the barangay’s proximity to farmlands.
Javier praised the coordinated response of provincial health workers, school officials, volunteers, and responders. He emphasized the importance of learning from the incident to enhance emergency protocols.
With the rainy season approaching, PDRRM Officer Broderick Train reported that two to three typhoons are expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility this July. The PDRRMC has updated its contingency plans for flooding and typhoon response.
Train proposed the establishment of a Regional Evacuation Center in Antique, either in San Jose or Hamtic, with funding from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The provincial government will secure a 10,000-square-meter lot for the project. Javier expressed his full support and recommended building another evacuation center in the northern part of the province, particularly in Bugasong or Culasi.
Additionally, Train proposed building a Multi-Purpose Emergency Building in Hamtic, near the Antique-Iloilo boundary, which would serve as a disaster response hub.
Javier also requested a status report on a provincial government-owned sea ambulance reportedly stationed in Culasi, instructing the PDRRMO to verify and ensure its proper use for coastal emergencies.
The governor stressed the need for early coordination and planning as Antique faces intensified weather conditions.
“Let’s be vigilant and let’s prepare, and I hope everyone coordinates,” he said. “To all Antiqueños, be vigilant also.” (Leo Solinap/SunStar Philippines)