The Office of Civil Defense - National Disaster Risk Reduction Management (OCD-NDRRMC) has distributed more than 10,000 N95 masks to the affected residents of volcanic smog coming from Taal Volcano in Batangas.

In an interview with DZRH on Sunday, OCD-NDRRMC Director Edgar Posadas strongly recommended N95 masks in the said province to avoid inhaling the VOG that brings danger to an individual’s health.

“Nakapagbigay tayo ng mahigit sa 10,000 N95 mask doon sa probinsya. Dahil kailangan ang inirerekomenda ay hindi lang surgical mask,” he said.

“Ito yung mga medyo kinailangan ng consultations. Kaya hanggang ngayon, pinapayo natin na panatilihin ang pagsusuot ng N95 mask,” Posadas added

Citing the agency's data, OCD-NDRRMC Director Edgar Posadas said around 263 individuals have experienced hard to moderate respiratory symptoms.

“Ganoon din yung kanselasyon ng klase, umabot hanggang 46,” he said.

“Kapag nakikita natin na merong kakaiba o ibang amoy o parang usok na di maipaliwanag, iwasan ang paglabas muna para hindi ma-expose sa elements,” Posadas continued.

Meanwhile, in Metro Manila, the public is advised to wear surgical masks and also avoid going out unless necessary to avoid inhaling the smog that may cause damage to their respiratory health.