Metro Cebu Air still “very unhealthy”

CEBU, Philippines — A hazy breeze continues to blanket the skyline of Metro Cebu, with officials announcing that the air quality remains at a “very unhealthy” level on Saturday morning, September 5, 2026.

Environmental Management Bureau Region VII (EMB-7) recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 159 as of 4 p.m. Saturday.

The reading was recorded at the Metro Cebu monitoring station as haze continued to affect parts of the region.

In contrast, the EMB-7 monitoring station in Barangay Cabitoonan, Toledo City, recorded an AQI of 44, classified as “good.”

The significant difference in the readings indicates that air quality conditions vary across Cebu, depending on the concentration and movement of pollutants in the atmosphere.

The haze affecting Metro Cebu has been attributed to smoke from forest and land fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Prevailing winds associated with the southwest monsoon, or habagat, have carried smoke and fine particulate matter from the fires toward the Philippines.

The main pollutant of concern is PM2.5, or fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller. Because of their extremely small size, these particles can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and may pose health risks, particularly with prolonged exposure.

Air quality levels have fluctuated in recent days as weather and wind conditions changed. The movement and concentration of the haze are influenced by wind direction, wind speed, and rainfall.

Rainfall can help clear suspended particles from the atmosphere, while winds can either disperse the pollutants or transport them toward other areas.

With Metro Cebu’s AQI still in the “very unhealthy” range, residents are advised to limit prolonged outdoor exposure and strenuous outdoor activities. Children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions should take extra precautions.

EMB-7 continues to monitor ambient air quality in the region and has urged the public to regularly check official air quality advisories and follow health precautions while the haze persists. — (FREEMAN)