CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (September 22) — Northern Mindanao local governments are urging residents to limit outdoor exposure as haze from regional fires continues to affect air quality, raising concerns particularly for children, older people and those with respiratory conditions.
The Environmental Management Bureau-Northern Mindanao (EMB-10) recorded elevated levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at its three air-quality monitoring stations on Monday, with readings at different points of the day ranging from fair to unhealthy for sensitive groups.
By 5 p.m., the Tagoloan and Cagayan de Oro stations recorded a fair PM2.5 air-quality index (AQI), while the Iligan station remained at unhealthy for sensitive groups.
EMB-10 linked the haze to fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, with smoke potentially carried toward the Philippines by prevailing winds.
The worsening air quality has prompted local government health units to reiterate precautions, particularly for people more vulnerable to the effects of fine particulate pollution.
Residents are being advised to reduce unnecessary outdoor activities and wear appropriate face masks when going outside, particularly while haze remains visible or air-quality readings are elevated.
Iligan City-based pediatrician Dr. Marwa Manala-o said prolonged exposure to haze could cause or aggravate respiratory problems.
“While we can’t solve the problem, as the global heatwave will persist until early 2027, we can certainly prevent and minimize exposure,” Manala-o said.
Fine particles such as PM2.5 can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, making prolonged exposure a concern even when haze appears relatively light.
Health authorities have particularly urged families to keep children and other vulnerable household members indoors as much as practical during periods of poor air quality.
The continuing haze also underscores the need for residents to monitor local air-quality advisories rather than relying solely on how clear or smoky the air appears.
For Northern Mindanao communities, the immediate response is straightforward: limit exposure, protect vulnerable family members and follow local air-quality advisories while the haze persists.
