Cebu Province Suspends Classes Due to Indonesian Wildfire Haze, Air Quality Worsens

The Cebu provincial government suspended classes yesterday in Talisay and Mandaue cities as well as in Minglanilla, Consolacion, and Liloan towns due to “acutely unhealthy” air quality brought by haze from Indonesian wildfires. “Everyone is encouraged to limit outdoor exposure and take necessary precautions while the air quality remains unhealthy,” the provincial government said. As of 4 a.m. on Sunday, the air quality in Metro Cebu was nearing the emergency threshold. Yesterday, the air quality was recorded as “very unhealthy” in the cities of Cabadbaran in Agusan del Norte, Iligan in Lanao del Norte and Talisay in Cebu. The cities of Butuan, Koronadal, Malita, Digos, Davao, Tagoloan, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga and Toledo experienced air that was “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” People were advised to wear face masks and the vulnerable population urged to stay indoors. This situation highlights the direct impact of transboundary haze from wildfires in neighboring countries on the air quality of populated areas in the Philippines. Seasonal dry spells in the Philippines often see an increase in forest fires, with their smoke frequently spreading over wide areas. This incident underscores the reality of regional environmental issues crossing borders and immediately affecting public life. Source: Philstar Nation