Haze persists as air remains “unhealthy”

CEBU, Philippines — A hazy breeze continued to blanket Metro Cebu yesterday, April 18, as air quality readings showed that it remains at levels considered “unhealthy” for sensitive groups.

Based on data released by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in Central Visayas, PM2.5, or fine inhalable particles that can penetrate deep into the lungs, reached an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 112 as of 8 a.m. on April 18, higher than the AQI reading of 101 recorded the previous day.

This placed Metro Cebu under the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category.

On the other hand, PM10 was recorded at an AQI of 81, which fell under the “Fair” category.

The CAAMS-PMS Talisay Station, located within the Talisay City Hall compound and used to represent Metro Cebu’s air quality, confirmed that PM2.5 levels had exceeded safety thresholds as the haze persisted across the metro.

While the general public may not immediately suffer serious effects, EMB-7 continues to warn that children, pregnant women, senior citizens, and those with asthma or chronic heart and lung conditions remain at greater risk.

When asked how long the situation is expected to persist, Engr. Arthur Niño Calupig, an air quality monitoring personnel and expert, said monitoring remains ongoing and authorities have yet to determine when conditions will improve.

“We are continuously monitoring, particularly PM10 and PM2.5. We will give further updates once we receive new data,” Calupig said.

With the haze still hanging over Metro Cebu, EMB-Central Visayas urged vulnerable sectors to stay indoors as much as possible, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, and wear N95 masks if they need to go outside.

The bureau also said air quality data from Toledo City will be retrieved once the power interruption there is resolved.

It was reported that while some residents have linked the haze to the unrest of Kanlaon Volcano, Calupig said the EMB cannot yet directly conclude that the volcanic activity is behind the hazy condition in Metro Cebu.

“Actually dili gyud ta directly makaingon kay we go in to forensics gyud para maka ingon ta. Dapat mapa analyze nato first,” he said.

He earlier stressed that localized sources of pollution should not be disregarded, particularly emissions coming from vehicles and industries, which he added are also visible contributors to the current air quality condition.

Calupig further said that even the location and altitude of Kanlaon make it uncertain, at this point, to directly attribute the haze in Metro Cebu to the volcano’s unrest.  — Chain Lee Templo, CTU- Tuburan Intern (FREEMAN)