DAVAO CITY—The provincial government of Compostela Valley (ComVal) distributed dustless chalk to public schools in the province in a bid to improve the respiratory wellness of public-school teachers.

The provincial government gave teachers 5,500 boxes of environment-friendly dustless chalks this month, said Gov. Arturo Uy.  The supplies arrived on June 22.

The distribution of the free dustless chalk was part of the health-protection program initiated by the provincial government under its Oplan Pangkalusugan.

The program also covers the conduct of free medical and dental services, the first set of which would be held this month in several schools in the province. The medical and dental mission would be spearheaded by the provincial health office. “For teachers, especially those having respiratory-related illness such as allergies and asthma, dustless chalk is a welcome development for them,” said the provincial government in a statement.

“Exposure to even minute particles of chalk dust can trigger reactions, posing health hazard to the teachers and students. This could also pose a problem on a cramped classroom that has poor ventilation,” the government said.