Indonesia Haze Worsens Air Quality in Iloilo City

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Air quality in parts of Iloilo City has deteriorated as transboundary haze from forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, spreads across portions of the Philippines. The Iloilo City Operations Center (OpCen), in an advisory issued at 5 p.m. Tuesday, urged vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, to avoid strenuous outdoor physical activities. The haze, carried by distant winds, has reached the Philippines, causing reduced visibility and potential respiratory issues in affected areas, including Iloilo City. OpCen also recommended measures such as maintaining proper ventilation and using N95 masks if necessary to keep the air clean. The Philippines is prone to haze from neighboring countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, especially during the dry season when forest fire risks are elevated. This issue highlights the need for regional environmental cooperation. Local authorities in Iloilo City are closely monitoring the air quality situation and are prepared to implement further measures to protect public health.