ASIDE from the National Capital Region (NCR), the haze attributed to the forest fire in Indonesia is also affecting Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and parts of Central Visayas, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) reported.
However, air quality in these areas outside Metro Manila has already shown marked improvement, the DENR-EMB reported.
‘Based on current monitoring and meteorological assessments, the haze is possibly associated with smoke and transboundary haze from ongoing fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, which may have been transported toward the Philippines by prevailing winds,’ the EMB Environmental Quality Management Division said.
Engr. Jundy del Socorro, EQMD Chief, DENR-EMB, explained this could be due to several factors. According to the Asean Specialized Meteorological Center (ASMC), as of 5 pm on September 1, the wind direction is shifting dispersion slightly toward the southwestern, western, and central parts of the Philippines. Consequently: 1) levels are currently high in Talisay, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro; 2) air quality in NCR has improved slightly; 3) additionally, the weather became warmer this morning, which contributes to the vertical mixing of pollutants.
The DENR-EMB said it is continuously monitoring air quality conditions through its nationwide network of air quality monitoring stations to assess the extent of the haze and its potential effects on public health and the environment.
In the NCR, the latest ambient air quality monitoring on September 2 revealed improvements using the PM2.5 Air Quality Index as a gauge.
Nine cities: Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina (Parang), Muntinlupa (Filinvest City), Navotas, Pasay, Pateros, San Juan, and Valenzuela, have AQIs of 100 and below. On the other hand, cities still have high AQIs of 100 or above 100, which fall under the ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups,’ namely, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon City, Paranaque (Don Bosco), Quezon City (Ateneo and Commonwealth Avenue, and Taguig (TUP).
The marked improvement may be attributed to the monsoon rains that filter the air in these areas.
Nevertheless, the DENR-EMB issued a public advisory encouraging the public in areas with high levels of PM2.5 to minimize prolonged outdoor activities in areas where haze is visible.
The DENR-EMB also said sensitive individuals, including children, older persons, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, should limit outdoor exposure and take necessary health precautions.
For their own safety and protection, the public is advised to wear a well-fitting face mask, preferably an N95 mask or equivalent, when going outdoors in areas affected by haze.
The DENR-EMB said it will continue to closely monitor the air quality situation and provide timely updates as more information becomes available. The public is urged to remain calm and rely only on official government sources for verified information regarding the haze situation.