Metro air quality slightly improved

CEBU, Philippines — Several schools in Cebu suspended face-to-face classes on Monday, October 12, as air quality in Metro Cebu reached the “very unhealthy” level.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival announced Sunday evening the suspension of classes on Monday due to unhealthy air quality. The same announcement was also made by Mandaue City Mayor Jonkie Ouano.

The latest air quality monitoring released by the Environmental Management Bureau Region VII (EMB-7) at 4 p.m. yesterday, however, showed that the air quality index has improved but remained under the classification “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

EMB-7 advised people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, to limit outdoor exertion.

In contrast, the monitoring station in Barangay Cabitoonan, Toledo City, recorded a good air quality index.

In its earlier advisory, EMB-7 identified localized emission sources, primarily motor vehicles, industrial operations and area-specific activities, as the main contributors to the recorded air quality levels.

These impacts are further intensified by unfavorable weather conditions, particularly low ambient temperatures from nighttime to early morning, which contribute to the accumulation and trapping of fine particulate matter in the atmosphere.

Very low wind speeds also prevent particulate matter from dispersing, the bureau said.

The deteriorating air quality in recent days has prompted several local government units in Cebu to suspend face-to-face classes as a precaution to protect students and school personnel.

EMB-7 said it continues to closely monitor ambient air quality and urged the public to stay informed by regularly checking its official updates and air quality advisories. — (FREEMAN)