MANILA — While the air quality in Metro Manila has “slightly improved” despite the transboundary haze due to the forest fires in Indonesia, the “unhealthy” air is now affecting Visayas and Mindanao, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said on Wednesday.
DENR Environmental Quality Management Division chief Jundy del Socorro said only seven areas in Metro Manila were tagged “unhealthy” for sensitive groups, namely Las Pinas, Makati, Malabon, Parañaque, Katipunan and Commonwealth in Quezon City, and Taguig. The rest of the region has “fair” air quality.
Del Socorro said this was better than Tuesday’s monitoring, in which almost the entire region had “unhealthy” air quality.
Central Luzon’s air quality has also improved to “good” and “fair,” he said.
Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s air quality, however, remains “unhealthy.”
Del Socorro said “unhealthy” levels of air quality are now observed in Talisay City in Cebu, Tagoloan in Misamis Oriental, Cagayan de Oro City, and Iligan City.
“Kasi po kahapon ng alas-5 ng hapon, atin pong na-observe sa ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Center… na ang hangin ay naggi-gear towards Visayas and Mindanao na. Kaya isa ‘to sa maaring dahilan kung bakit medyo bumuti na ang kalidad ng hangin sa Metro Manila at bahagyang naapektuhan na ho ang parte ng Visayas at Mindanao,” he said.
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Del Socorro warned the public, especially those with comorbidities and the vulnerable sector, that there are health risks of inhaling the fine particulate matter from the haze.
He advised the public to monitor advisories of the DENR and local government units regarding the air quality. If it is “unhealthy,” he recommended staying indoors, if possible, or wearing face masks if going outside is necessary.
“Kung wala naman tayong N95 [face mask] sa bahay natin, inire-rekomenda ng DOH (Department of Health) na basain na lang ‘yung mga ordinaryong face mask o kaya ‘yung mga tela tulad ng panyo para dumikit doon ‘yung mga fine particles kung tayo’y lalabas,” del Socorro said.
Closing doors and windows at home would also help prevent fine particulate matters, he said while also urging the public to drink water and take vitamins.
Del Socorro advised those experiencing difficulty in breathing, severe cough, chest pains, or other symptoms that could be linked to the haze to consult a doctor.
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