Bacolod City Air Quality Declared 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups'

The Environmental Management Bureau in the Negros Island Region (EMB-NIR) warned that air quality in Bacolod City and other localities in Negros Occidental was classified as "unhealthy for sensitive groups," as of noon on Thursday, Sept. 3. Due to the reduced air quality, the EMB advised individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, the elderly, and children, to limit their outdoor activities and ensure adequate ventilation. The primary cause of this air pollution is believed to be transboundary haze originating from neighboring regions. This phenomenon occurs when smoke and particulate matter from forest fires and agricultural burning, mainly in areas like Indonesia and Malaysia, are carried by winds over vast distances. In the Philippines, such air pollution tends to worsen during the dry season, raising concerns about its impact on residents' health, particularly in urban areas. This incident highlights that even cities like Bacolod are not immune to this issue. The EMB-NIR stated that it would continue to monitor air quality and issue further advisories as needed.