The toxic chemical “cypermethrin” commonly used in pesticides were found to be the source of foul odor that sent hundreds of students at the Pis-anan National High School and pupils from nearby Pis-anan Elementary School to hospitals in Sibalom and San Jose, Antique last July 2, 2025.
“Cypermethrin, a chemical commonly used in pesticides, was detected in multiple indoor and outdoor areas of the school, including classroom walls, doors, and surrounding vegetation. This indicates airborne dispersal of the substance,” said Sibalom Mayor Gian Occena in a statement on August 1, quoting the Task Force Pis-anan which cited the Final Toxicological Report from the Toxicology Specialty Center – Western Visayas Sanitarium and General Hospital in IIoilo.
Pesticides and other farm chemicals are widely used in Sibalom, known for being “the rice granary” of Antique.
