Cebu suspends classes amid poor air levels

MANILA, Philippines — The Cebu provincial government suspended classes yesterday in Talisay and Mandaue cities as well as in Minglanilla, Consolacion and Liloan towns due to “acutely unhealthy” air quality brought by haze from Indonesian wildfires.

“Everyone is encouraged to limit outdoor exposure and take necessary precautions while the air quality remains unhealthy,” the provincial government said.

As of 4 a.m. on Sunday, the air quality in Metro Cebu was nearing the emergency threshold.

Yesterday, the air quality was recorded as “very unhealthy” in the cities of Cabadbaran in Agusan del Norte, Iligan in Lanao del Norte and Talisay in Cebu.

The cities of Butuan, Koronadal, Malita, Digos, Davao, Tagoloan, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga and Toledo experienced air that was “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

People were advised to wear face masks and the vulnerable population urged to stay indoors.