The municipal government of Mamburao has ordered the distribution of face masks to schools as a precaution against haze observed in parts of Occidental Mindoro.
Mamburao Mayor Glicerio Almero III said local government personnel were tasked to distribute face masks to schools, with the supplies to be turned over to school heads.
‘Ibibigay po natin sa mga school heads and priority po yung may mga kondisyon sa lungs and heart,’ Almero said.
(We will task school heads to determine their priority to be given face masks, preferably to those with lung and heart conditions)
The move came as local authorities in Mindoro advised residents to take precautions amid the spread of haze, which is believed to be linked to smoke from forest fires in Indonesia.
In a separate public advisory issued on Sept. 1, the Calapan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office urged residents to remain vigilant over the haze, which may be caused by smoke from forest and land fires in Indonesia, particularly in Sumatra and Kalimantan, that winds carried to other parts of Southeast Asia.
The public was advised to wear face masks when going outdoors and avoid staying for prolonged periods in areas where haze or smoke is noticeable.
Residents were also urged to monitor official air quality advisories and take appropriate precautions.
Children, older adults and people with existing lung or heart conditions are considered particularly vulnerable and were advised to take extra care