QC suspends classes due to haze-induced poor air quality

MANILA, Philippines — In-person classes in all public schools in Quezon City have been suspended on Tuesday, September 1, after local sensors recorded hazardous air pollution levels across the city.

In the city’s memorandum circular on Tuesday, the suspension applies to public educational levels, including:

• Child Development Centers
• Kindergarten
• Grades 1 to 12
• Alternative Learning System 

City disaster authorities reported that Quezon City's network of 68 air monitoring sensors registered "very unhealthy" to "acutely unhealthy" Air Quality Index levels.

At these concentration levels, exposure can trigger coughing, airway irritation, and breathing difficulties — posing high health risks to individuals with asthma and pre-existing respiratory conditions, according to the Quezon City Local Government.

According to the LGU, citing environmental assessments, the surge in air pollution affecting Metro Manila and other regions is likely connected to smoke and haze drifting from ongoing land and forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

While the mandatory suspension applies strictly to public schools, the Quezon City government stated that class suspensions for private schools and higher education institutions (HEIs) remain at the discretion of their respective school administrations.

However, city officials strongly encouraged private institutions to adopt localized suspensions or online modes to ensure student and faculty safety.

“Pinapayuhan ang lahat na magsuot ng face mask at bawasan ang oras at pisikal na aktibidad sa labas. Mangyaring subaybayan ang mga susunod na anunsyo para sa karagdagang impormasyon,” the Quezon City Local Government said.

(Everyone is advised to wear a face mask and reduce outdoor exposure and physical activities. Please monitor subsequent announcements for further information.)