Air quality worsens in Metro Cebu amid haze from Indonesia

CEBU CITY — Air quality in Metro Cebu deteriorated further on Wednesday as transboundary haze from ongoing forest fires in Indonesia continued to affect the region.

The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Visayas detected “acute unhealthy levels” of pollutants in Metro Cebu.

The air quality index (AQI) reached 203 on Wednesday, up from 173 on Tuesday.

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READ: Harmful haze from Indonesia fires to affect western PH – Pagasa

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In response, the bureau advised the public, particularly those with existing respiratory conditions, to stay indoors. 

Others were urged to wear face masks, stay hydrated, and take other precautions to reduce their exposure to polluted air.

Despite the worsening air quality, the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) said there had been no reported hospital admissions related to the haze as of Wednesday.

Still, rural health units (RHUs) have been advised to prepare for a possible increase in consultations involving health effects linked to the haze, said Dr. Van Philip Baton, chief of the Local Health Support Division of DOH-7.

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“We’re anticipating a possible increase in asthma, so we may see this in our RHU and private clinics… So a reminder to the public is to consult immediately if they have any history of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” he said.

Baton also advised the public against self-medication, particularly those with asthma or other chronic respiratory conditions.

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Arthur Niño Calupig, air quality monitoring specialist at EMB-7, said the transboundary movement of pollutants caused the deteriorating air quality.

Smoke from fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, was being carried toward the Philippines by the habagat, or southwest monsoon.

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Calupig said the haze could persist for several more days if the fires continue to burn and prevailing wind patterns remain unchanged./coa