TACLOBAN CITY — A total of 177 students and 10 faculty members from a university in Lucena City became ill with suspected food poisoning while on an educational tour and were rushed to a hospital for treatment, officials said Friday.

The group from the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation (MSEUF) was composed of second-year Tourism and Hospitality Management students and faculty. They were on an educational tour from 22 to 25 October, with Kalanggaman Island as their first stop.

MSEUF said in a statement that all those who fell ill were taken to the Immaculate Conception Hospital in Baybay City, where they were listed in stable condition. Baybay City is more than 70 kilometers from Palompon.

The school stated the group showed symptoms of food-borne illness after their Kalanggaman Island tour and received prompt attention from medical personnel. The Baybay City government has assured full medical and logistical support for the affected students and faculty.