Haze in effect in Cebu: Residents told to be cautious

CEBU, Philippines — Until the result of the assessment of the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) on the impact and extent of the current haze, the Cebu City government, through the Committee on Environment, is still encouraging its residents to continue to take precautionary measures.

Although Cebu City is not one of those directly and gravely affected by haze caused by the forest fires in Indonesia, Committee on Environment Chair, Councilor Joel Garganera, reminded Cebuanos to remain cautious.

“Pero kita (Cebu City) we are not spared, naapil sad ta. Although layo but then again if you notice, if you wake up early in the morning, makita nimo ang sunrise, ang sun, perteng puwaha. I've never seen as red as that,” Garganera told the media yesterday.

“The only time I saw a sun as red as that was in Guangzhou China, because Guangzhou is an industrial city… and of course, mi-produce of pollution, naay haze,” added Garganera.

Since Cebu City is experiencing haze, we can expect a gloomy environment as the sunlight couldn't penetrate enough, he said.

He has also discouraged residents to initiate outdoor activities, given this circumstance.

For those who still want to do so, they should do it with caution.

“Palihog lang, we should wear kaning measures like sunglasses, kay mapuling ka. Hydrate of course kay lahi ning kainit karon,” said Garganera.

He also encouraged the elderly, especially those who are experiencing respiratory problems, to wear facemasks.

The committee is just waiting for the assessment result of the EMB and the DOST, which have sent out personnel to look into the air quality.

Garganera said they are actively cooperating with the EMB, so they may be guided accordingly.

“It still manageable, but as to the question kung kanus-a ni mahuman, og mo-grabe ba ni sya, that we don't know. Mas maayo nga mangandam lang ta because you can never be so sure.  But this is not alarming,” he said.

Metro Cebu is among the several local government units in the country that is experiencing light to moderate haze caused by the forest fires in Indonesia. — (FREEMAN)