Davao city: Sensitive groups are urged to take precautions as continuous ambient monitoring stations have reported "unhealthy for sensitive groups" air quality levels since Aug. 30, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Davao Region (DENR-11) said Monday. Miralou Blanco, chief of DENR-11's environmental monitoring and enforcement division, highlighted these concerns during a press briefing.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Calinan station first recorded the unhealthy levels on Aug. 30, followed by similar readings in Digos City on Sept. 4. Malita town in Davao Occidental also detected changes in air quality concentration attributed to haze. Blanco explained that the stations, which measure air quality 24/7, showed elevated levels of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), fine particles that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system.

"From Aug. 30 until now, we can say there is a presence of PM2.5 attributed to transboundary haze," Blanco noted. She advised residents to wear N95 masks, limit outdoor exposure, and seek medical consultation if symptoms worsen. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions, are urged to take extra precautions.

While Davao Region has generally maintained good to fair air quality in recent years, Blanco said current readings have prompted precautionary measures. If levels persist or worsen, the situation could escalate to emergency or critical status. "We do not want to cause public scare, but we want people to understand what is happening and what they can do at home to protect themselves," she added.