MANILA — The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Tuesday urged residents in haze-affected areas to stay indoors as much as possible and take precautions against possible health effects from deteriorating air quality.
OCD Deputy Administrator for Administration Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said the agency, together with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), was closely monitoring the haze affecting parts of the country, particularly the National Capital Region, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa.
The haze may be linked to smoke from ongoing fires in Indonesia, which may have been carried toward the Philippines by prevailing winds.
Authorities advised the public to minimize prolonged outdoor activities, especially in areas visibly covered by haze.
“Persons who are sensitive to air pollution, including children, older persons, and individuals with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, are advised to limit outdoor exposure and take necessary precautions,” Alejandro said in a recorded video message.
“Wear a well-fitting mask, preferably N95 or equivalent, when going outdoors in areas with noticeable haze,” he added.
Metro Manila air quality reaches ‘acutely unhealthy’ levels amid haze from Indonesia
The OCD also advised residents to keep doors and windows closed, and use damp cloth to cover gaps where haze could enter.
Motorists were urged to use headlights or fog lights when traveling at night or in areas with poor visibility.
Alejandro warned that haze exposure could cause difficulty breathing, coughing, chest pain, watery eyes and nasal irritation, and could aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma.
He urged the public to follow official advisories from the DENR-EMB, OCD and Department of Health, and remain vigilant as authorities continue to monitor the air quality.
“We are continuously monitoring the air quality—yung ating EMB through its network of air quality monitoring stations—to assess the extent and potential impact of the haze,” Alejandro said.
“Dapat po tayong mag-ingat at sumunod sa mga advisory. Let’s stay safe,” he added.