Metro Cebu air improves, now “fair”

CEBU, Philippines — The air quality in Metro Cebu improved to “fair” yesterday, September 10, 2026, after more than a week of experiencing unhealthy air quality due to haze.

As of 11 a.m. Thursday, September 10, the Environmental Management Bureau Region VII (EMB-7) monitoring station in Metro Cebu recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 98, classified as “fair.”

Meanwhile, the monitoring station in Toledo City recorded an AQI of 34, classified as “good.”

EMB-7 continues to closely monitor the ambient air quality to determine the presence and extent of the haze, as well as its potential health impacts.

The agency began monitoring the air quality situation in Metro Cebu on September 1, when the AQI reached the “very unhealthy” level, with readings ranging from 152 to 173 at the monitoring station.

The situation worsened in the following days, with the AQI rising above 200. On September 3, it reached its highest recorded level of 252, classified as “acutely unhealthy.”

After reaching its peak on September 3, the AQI gradually declined over the succeeding days, although air quality remained at unhealthy levels.

On September 9, Metro Cebu recorded an AQI of 116, still classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” but a significant improvement from the previous days.

The haze was linked to smoke and fine particulate matter from forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, which were carried toward the region by the southwest monsoon, or habagat.

EMB-7 urged the public to continue monitoring official air quality updates and advisories, as conditions may change depending on the weather and atmospheric conditions.

Cebu City resumes classes

With the drop in the AQI, Cebu City resumed face-to-face classes yesterday, September 10, after several days of suspension prompted by hazardous haze conditions.

Mayor Nestor Archival announced the resumption of in-person classes through an official advisory Wednesday evening.

The directive covered all public and private schools from kindergarten to basic education.

While the air quality was still “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” at the time of the announcement, forecasts indicated steady improvement, prompting the city to reopen campuses.

Archival emphasized that while particulate matter from transboundary haze remains present, concentrations have fallen well below hazardous thresholds, making public activities safe again.

The mayor’s earlier restrictions, such as the suspension of outdoor campus activities, mandatory indoor P.E. classes, and strict mask advisories, are now expected to be lifted gradually as conditions continue to improve.

However, precautionary measures remain in place.

Students with asthma, allergic rhinitis, or other respiratory and cardiovascular conditions are excused from attending physically and may shift to distance learning without penalty.

Schools are also advised to maintain indoor air control measures and keep medical staff on alert for respiratory complaints. -  Caecent No-ot Magsumbol (IHM) (CEBU NEWS)