DOH-7 braces for haze-related illnesses: High alert in Central Visayas  

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) has placed hospitals and other health facilities in the region on heightened alert amid deteriorating air quality caused by transboundary haze, in preparation for a possible increase in respiratory illnesses.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) reported on Wednesday that air quality in the region is now edging closer to “emergency” level albeit still within the “acutely unhealthy” range.

In a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, September 3, 2026, Dr. Jeanette Pauline Arellano-Cortes, Medical Officer IV of DOH-7, said a draft regional circular was already being prepared for dissemination to infirmaries, DOH hospitals, provincial hospitals, the Cebu and Bohol provincial health offices, local government-run hospitals, and drug abuse and treatment rehabilitation centers.

The circular, dated September 2, 2026, is still pending the approval and signature of DOH-7 Regional Director Dr. Joshua Brillantes.

However, Arellano-Cortes said health facilities had already been informed of the regional alert and advised to prepare for a possible surge in patients with respiratory symptoms.

Under the alert, hospitals were advised to consider establishing priority lanes should there be a surge in patients with respiratory illnesses. They were also told to ensure that emergency rooms could accommodate additional patients and that referrals from lower-level facilities to higher-level hospitals remain seamless.

Dr. Arellano-Cortes said hospitals were likewise reminded to check their inventory of equipment and medicines that may be needed to treat respiratory conditions associated with exposure to the haze.

“For now, we expect that our hospitals are really preparing their equipment and medicines regarding respiratory illnesses,” she said.

Despite the heightened alert, Arellano-Cortes said the DOH-7 Regional Health Emergency Management Office (RHEMO) had not recorded any respiratory illnesses directly linked to the haze as of Thursday.

“Wala pa’y reported cases of respiratory illnesses related to the haze,” she said.

Vulnerable groups urged to stay indoors

DOH-7 has advised vulnerable groups, including children below five years old, older adults and pregnant women, to limit outdoor activities while air quality remains unhealthy.

“Sa mga sensitive or vulnerable groups, atong limitahan ang mga activities nga buhaton sa gawas,” she said.

Those who need to go outdoors are encouraged to wear an N95 mask, which Dr. Arellano-Cortes said provides maximum protection against inhaled pollutants.

However, she acknowledged that the cost of N95 masks could be a concern for some residents.

“Medyo issue ni nato kay ang N95 is costly, around P100 each,” she said.

If an N95 mask is unavailable, residents may use surgical masks, although the doctor advised wearing two layers and ensuring that the masks fit snugly over the nose and mouth without gaps.

She also urged residents to minimize prolonged outdoor exposure, stay hydrated and avoid other sources of indoor air pollution, including smoking inside homes and burning garbage.

DOH-7 Local Health Support Division head Dr. Van Philip Baton said the agency already has surveillance systems for respiratory illnesses, including influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI).

These surveillance systems monitor respiratory conditions in communities and hospitals but are primarily geared toward infectious diseases.

With the haze, however, health authorities are also watching for a possible increase in non-infectious respiratory conditions.

Baton cited asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as among the conditions that could be aggravated by exposure to airborne irritants.

Young children and older adults may be particularly vulnerable to asthma symptoms, while people who smoke or are regularly exposed to airborne irritants may also experience respiratory problems, he said.

He added that workers in industries exposed to dust, as well as public utility jeepney and tricycle drivers who spend long hours on the road, may also be exposed to air pollutants.

People who use wood as fuel for cooking are likewise exposed to airborne irritants, particularly in areas where traditional cooking methods remain common, he said.

Because of this, rural health units (RHUs) have been advised to remain vigilant and monitor not only infectious respiratory diseases but also possible increases in non-infectious conditions.

“So far, wala pa tay nakita nga surge, but all infirmaries and hospitals at all levels, both private and public, are already monitoring if there are possible surges,” Baton said.

Hospitals have also been advised to preposition medicines commonly used for respiratory conditions, including asthma medications and bronchodilators.

The heightened alert, DOH-7 said, is a precautionary measure to ensure that health facilities are prepared should respiratory cases increase because of prolonged exposure to the haze.

In Cebu City, the local government has also mobilized health facilities in anticipation of a possible surge in respiratory cases.

Councilor Dave Tumulak, chairperson of the Committee on Health and Disaster Management, said the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) is prepared to handle patients with severe respiratory illnesses, while barangay health centers have been equipped with nebulizers, oxygen tanks and other supplies to manage minor symptoms.

Tumulak emphasized that residents with mild conditions should first seek care at barangay health centers to prevent overcrowding at CCMC, reserving hospital services for more serious cases.

Since the weekend, CCMC has documented minor cases linked to poor air quality, although officials said the numbers are not yet alarming.

Air Quality may worsen

Meanwhile, environmental authorities warned that Cebu's air quality could deteriorate further and reach the emergency level if wildfire activity in Indonesia continues to intensify.

DENR-EMB Region VII Senior Environmental Management Specialist Arthur Niño Calupig said the possibility of air quality reaching the highest classification should not be dismissed, particularly as fine particulate matter remains elevated across monitoring stations in Cebu.

“Possible nga mosaka into emergency level. Dili na nato e disregard, if same gihapon mo grabi ang activity sa wildfire,” Calupig said.

As of 11 a.m., the Metro Cebu monitoring station recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 252, classified as Acutely Unhealthy, while the station in Barangay Cabitoonan, Toledo City recorded 227, also under the same classification.

The Metro Cebu station earlier recorded an AQI of 251 at 4 p.m. and 241 at 4 a.m., indicating that air quality had remained at an acutely unhealthy level.

If air quality reaches the emergency classification, everyone is advised to remain indoors, with windows and doors kept closed unless heat stress becomes a concern.

Local emissions also a factor

While the current haze is largely associated with wildfire activity in Indonesia, Calupig said Cebu also has localized sources of emissions that contribute to the overall concentration of pollutants.

“Yes, dili na nato ikalimod nu nga naa mn jud tay localize emissions. Ang kani lang jung pollutants sa wildfire, mao lang jud ni ang naka dugang sa concentration, particularly PM 2.5,” he said.

PM2.5 refers to very fine particles that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, making elevated concentrations a significant public health concern.

Calupig also urged residents to refrain from activities that could add to local air pollution, particularly the burning of waste and other materials.--- with Preciosa Bacalso/FPL (CEBU NEWS)