Bohol town suspends classes due to worsening air quality from Indonesian wildfires

The municipality of Bilar in Bohol, Philippines, has suspended classes for kindergarten, elementary, and secondary levels due to worsening air quality caused by haze from wildfires in Indonesia’s Kalimantan and Sumatra regions. Mayor Norman Palacio issued a memorandum on Thursday, September 3, ordering the suspension effective immediately in both public and private schools. The measure is aimed at protecting the health of students from deteriorating air quality attributed to the haze. Haze is formed when smoke and particulate matter from distant fires spread over a wide area. Wildfires, particularly in Indonesia's peatlands rich in organic carbon, frequently occur and are a major cause of severe air pollution. These fires are often intentionally set for land clearing for agriculture and palm oil plantations. In the Philippines, instances of haze affecting air quality have been reported in the past when large-scale forest fires in neighboring countries across the South China Sea, carried by seasonal winds, have reached the archipelago. This raises concerns not only for daily life but also for an increased risk of respiratory illnesses. The class suspension in Bilar highlights how unexpected environmental issues can directly impact local communities, especially educational activities. The municipal government plans to keep classes suspended until the air quality improves. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo