Metro’s air quality improves slightly

CEBU, Philippines — Metro Cebu's air quality improved slightly on Friday, but authorities warned that conditions remain unsafe and urged the public to continue taking precautions against the transboundary haze.

At 7 a.m., Metro Cebu registered an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 202, classified as “Acutely Unhealthy.”

At this level, the Environmental Management Bureau Region VII (EMB-7) advised the public to limit outdoor exertion and postpone unnecessary trips.

By 11 a.m., the AQI dropped slightly to 197, placing Metro Cebu in the “Very Unhealthy” category. EMB-7 advised pedestrians to avoid traffic-heavy areas, vulnerable groups to stay indoors and residents to voluntarily limit vehicle use.

By 4 p.m., EMB-7's latest advisory showed Metro Cebu's AQI further dropping to 184, although air quality remained classified as “Very Unhealthy.”

In Toledo City, Barangay Cabitoonan recorded an AQI of 113 in the morning, considered “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” before improving to 73 by late afternoon, classified as “Fair.”

In response to the continuing haze, Cebu City issued Executive Order No. 106, Series of 2026, signed by Acting Mayor Tomas R. Osmeña.

The order extended the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public and private schools until today, September 5, or until further notice.

It covers all classes, examinations and school-based activities scheduled for the day while maintaining other protective measures mandated under previous orders.

The haze has persisted over Metro Cebu since the start of the week.

On September 1, EMB-7 monitoring stations recorded AQI levels ranging from 152 to 173, already classified as “Very Unhealthy.”

Conditions worsened on September 2, when AQI readings climbed above 200, reaching 203 at dawn, 208 by midday and 215 by late afternoon, placing Metro Cebu firmly in the “Acutely Unhealthy” category.

Officials said the haze is caused by transboundary pollution carried by southwest monsoon winds from forest fires in Indonesia.

EMB-7 clarified that the pollutants consist mainly of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide. (CEBU NEWS)