Air quality improving, no longer “unhealthy”

CEBU, Philippines — The air quality in Metro Cebu has significantly improved following days of elevated pollution levels and haze conditions as of yesterday, April 22, 2026.

The Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas (EMB)-7 confirmed that the persistent smog that blanketed the region over the past week has largely cleared, marking a return to more stable atmospheric conditions.

According to EMB-7 monitoring data, the Talisay City Station—previously peaking at an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 199, classified as “Very Unhealthy”—has now dropped to 98, officially placing air quality under the “Fair” or Moderate category.

The improvement is attributed to sustained local wind activity and natural atmospheric ventilation, which helped disperse accumulated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that had reached critical levels on April 19.

Despite the positive trend, EMB-7 noted that an AQI of 98 remains at the upper range of the Moderate category.

The agency advised sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with asthma or cardiovascular conditions, to still limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities until air quality further improves into the “Good” range.

For the general public, EMB-7 said normal outdoor activities may resume but encouraged continued awareness of possible mild symptoms such as coughing or throat irritation, particularly in high-traffic areas.

The use of N95 or KN95 masks, previously recommended during peak pollution levels, is no longer required for the general population but may still benefit sensitive individuals.

EMB-7 also urged the public to support sustained air quality improvement by reducing pollution contributing activities.

These include avoiding open burning of waste and agricultural materials, ensuring proper vehicle maintenance to minimize smoke emissions, reducing engine idling, and promptly reporting any incidents of fire or illegal burning to local authorities.

The bureau emphasized that it continues to monitor PM2.5 levels and weather patterns on a 24/7 basis and will issue further advisories as conditions evolve across Metro Cebu. — /IHM (FREEMAN)