‘Toxic’ haze halts classes

CEBU, Philippines — Several local government units in Cebu have suspended face-to-face classes in public schools today, September 3, as worsening air quality caused by transboundary haze pushed Metro Cebu deeper into the “acutely unhealthy” range.

The cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay and Carcar, as well as the town of Minglanilla, separately announced the suspension of face-to-face classes in public schools within their respective jurisdictions, citing deteriorating air quality conditions monitored by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas (DENR-EMB-7).

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival on Wednesday announced the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public and private schools beginning Wednesday afternoon until September 3, directing schools to continue instruction through modular distance learning and other flexible modalities.

He also urged workplaces to adopt flexible arrangements, including work-from-home setups, and instructed employers with outdoor operations to provide N95 or KN95 masks, rotate shifts and excuse vulnerable employees from prolonged exposure.

“To protect our students, workers, teachers, and the entire Cebu City community from prolonged exposure to hazardous air pollution, these measures are necessary,” Archival said.

Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas said the suspension was ordered after coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).

“Tomorrow (September 3), however, after coordination with our DepEd and CDRRMO, we will be suspending face to face classes in ALL PUBLIC SCHOOLS in Talisay City,” Gullas said.

For Talisay City College and private schools, Gullas said the decision on whether to suspend face-to-face classes would be left to their respective administrators.

Carcar City likewise announced the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public schools on September 3, in coordination with DepEd and the CDRRMO.

The city government said the measure was being implemented due to the deteriorating air quality affecting Metro Cebu. Private schools in Carcar were given discretion to decide whether to suspend face-to-face classes, taking into consideration the safety and well-being of learners, teachers and personnel.

AQI continues to rise

Air quality in Metro Cebu continued to deteriorate on Wednesday, with theEMB-7 recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 215 as of 3 p.m.

The 3 p.m. reading remained within the “acutely unhealthy” classification and was higher than the AQI readings recorded earlier in the day.

At 6 a.m., the AQI stood at 203 before increasing to 208 at 11 a.m., according to the latest air quality updates.

EMB-7 said it continues to closely monitor local ambient air quality to determine the presence, extent and potential health impacts of the haze affecting the region.

At an AQI of 215, the public is advised to limit outdoor exertion, while those with heart or respiratory diseases, including asthma, should stay indoors and rest as much as possible.

Unnecessary trips should also be postponed, while motor vehicle use may be restricted and industrial activities curtailed depending on prevailing conditions.

Pam monitors haze

Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said the provincial government is closely monitoring the haze and awaiting guidance from concerned agencies before considering broader precautionary measures.

“I have been advised by our PDRRMO, so we're really monitoring it,” Baricuatro said.

Asked about the possibility of suspending classes, Baricuatro said there was no advance advisory yet but noted that the provincial government would follow recommendations from the DENR and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) should conditions worsen.

“So far wala pa may advice… well if it really gets bad we will be advised by DENR and ato sang PDRRMO,” she said.

Baricuatro urged Cebuanos, particularly those with respiratory problems, to take precautions while the haze persists.

“For those nga naay respiratory problems siguro it's best we just use facemask but really we're monitoring it,” she said.

She also reminded senior citizens and people with respiratory ailments to exercise extra caution as air quality remains unhealthy.

“It's better be safe than sorry. Katong mga senior or naay respiratory ailments magbinantayon lang jud ta karong panahona,” Baricuatro said.

Haze traced to Indonesia

Environmental authorities have traced the deteriorating air quality to transboundary haze drifting from forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Smoke and fine PM2.5 particles were carried across the sea by the southwest monsoon, locally known as the Habagat, before settling over Central Visayas. — /FPL (FREEMAN)