Over the past couple of days, the haze over much of Metro Manila and other areas in Luzon has been attributed first to emissions from Taal Volcano, before being denied by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), which said on Monday that the smog was due to “human activities and not from Taal Volcano”.
But earlier today, PHIVOLCS corrected itself with an update on social media, acknowledging that there is evidence that sulphur dioxide from the volcano—volcanic smog, in other words, or “vog” as it has been called—is indeed what’s been vogging NCR and adjoining provinces.
PHIVOLCS’ statement reads in part: “In view of the scientific data from the above satellite platforms, the DOST-PHIVOLCS stands to acknowledge evidence of the wider extents that volcanic SO2 have actually spread over the NCR and adjoining provinces and gives credence to the many observations that the public have communicated.” (TLDR: You’re right, guys!)
But before you gloat, the scientists at PHIVOLCS-DOST also remind us all that being wrong is all part of the process, and that acknowledging this and correcting old assumptions is how science happens. “As a scientific institution, we have been reminded again of the value of uncertainty and the limitations of our data, the value of citizen observation and the need to constantly challenge our own perceptions, interpretations and ideas.”
In the meantime, posts all over social media show the extent of the vog situation throughout Metro Manila, Tagaytay, and other cities in Luzon.
The public is advised to take precautions to safeguard their health.
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Also read: Baguio City hiking trail closed indefinitely after tourists dump trash, destroy plants
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DID YOU NOTICE THIS TOO?
Some parts of Metro Manila, such as Makati and Mandaluyong, are hazier than usual! (Comment your pics if you saw it too!) pic.twitter.com/ru0NFM8Ava
— Greenpeace Philippines (@gpph) June 28, 2021
Volcanic smog from Taal volcano. Stay safe out there Metro Manila. pic.twitter.com/hQBFcEJsqe
— Ian Genada (@ian_genada) June 28, 2021
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