Metro Cebu blanketed by polluted air again: ‘Very unhealthy’

CEBU, Philippines —  Metro Cebu is once again blanketed with varying air quality conditions, with Talisay City recording a “very unhealthy” breeze.

Just weeks after the haze experienced in Cebu thinned, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-7 reported that air quality monitoring as of 8:00 a.m. yesterday, May 16, 2026, showed varying air conditions across Metro Cebu, with Talisay City recording very unhealthy levels of PM2.5, according to official station data.

At the CAAQMS–Talisay Station, PM2.5 reached 45.3 µg/Ncm, classified as “very unhealthy,” while PM10 remained at a “fair” level with a reading of 62 µg/Ncm.

The EMB-7 stressed that the Air Quality Index (AQI) for very unhealthy conditions is generally within the 151–200+ range, indicating high pollution levels that may pose serious health risks.

In a statement, the EMB-7 warned that prolonged exposure to elevated PM2.5 levels can be particularly dangerous for individuals with heart and lung conditions, as well as for children and senior citizens.

They added that health effects may include respiratory irritation, chest discomfort, and worsening asthma symptoms.

In line with this monitoring, residents are again advised to stay indoors as much as possible, keep windows closed, use air purifiers if available, and wear protective masks when going outside to minimize exposure to polluted air.

EMB-7 explained that wind speed in the area was recorded at around 2–3 meters per second, which may influence pollutant dispersion but is not sufficient to immediately improve air quality conditions.

Meanwhile, air quality data from the Toledo monitoring station remained inaccessible as of reporting time, limiting a complete assessment of conditions in western Cebu.

The EMB-7 said it continues to closely monitor air quality levels across Metro Cebu and is expected to release further updates as needed for public guidance. — (FREEMAN)