ANTIQUE – Psychological first aid is now being provided to students of Pis-anan National High School in Sibalom town following a mysterious foul odor incident that left over 200 students hospitalized on July 2, 2025.
According to Rodel Esler, spokesperson of Task Force Pis-anan, the psychological intervention began last week to help restore the emotional and mental well-being of the affected students.
Students from remote barangays who have not yet received assistance are scheduled to receive care at the school starting Monday, July 21.
Initial reports said that more than 200 students experienced symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath after inhaling a strange odor — described by some as “guava-like” — which is suspected to have originated from a pesticide.
In response to the incident, face-to-face classes at Pis-anan National High School remain suspended. The school has temporarily shifted to the alternative delivery mode, and on-site classes may resume on Monday, pending clearance from health and safety authorities.
Esler assured the public that the incident is being taken seriously.
“We have submitted all collected evidence to the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA),” he said, adding that laboratory test results are still pending.
As of press time, the police investigation was ongoing, and no suspects or sources of the foul odor have been confirmed./PN
