Manila: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) reported an improvement in air quality in Metro Manila on Wednesday. The agency noted that the haze-related air pollution, which primarily affected Luzon, has now slightly shifted towards the Visayas and Mindanao.

According to Philippines News Agency, Jundy Del Socorro, the chief of the Environmental Quality Management Division of the DENR-EMB Central Office, mentioned in a Bagong Pilipinas interview that Metro Manila, which experienced very unhealthy to acutely unhealthy air quality levels on Tuesday, showed signs of improvement by Wednesday. Despite this progress, seven areas within the National Capital Region (NCR) continue to record unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups. These areas include Las Pi±as, Makati, Malabon, Para±aque, and parts of Quezon City such as Katipunan and Commonwealth, along with Taguig.

The remainder of the NCR, including Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Pasay, Pateros, San Juan, and Valenzuela, have shown improvement. Areas like Central Luzon, Bulacan, and Cauayan in Isabela, which also experienced unhealthy air conditions on Tuesday, have now been classified as having good or fair air quality.

Del Socorro highlighted that while the air quality improved in Metro Manila and parts of Luzon, it deteriorated in certain areas of the Visayas and Mindanao. The Wednesday noon advisory from the DENR-EMB identified Talisay City in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro City as experiencing acutely unhealthy air quality, falling under the purple category on the agency's air quality index. Other locations such as Naga City in Camarines Sur and Zamboanga City were classified as very unhealthy, while Batac City in Ilocos Norte, Palawan State University, Bacolod City, Calinan in Davao City, and Koronadal City in South Cotabato were marked as unhealthy for sensitive groups.

The haze affecting these regions is suspected to be linked to smoke and transboundary pollution from fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, carried by the southwest monsoon or 'habagat' towards the Philippines. Del Socorro emphasized the dynamic nature of air quality, which fluctuates based on pollution sources and meteorological conditions, including wind direction and potential rainfall from the southwest monsoon that can help clear fine particles from the air.

Del Socorro explained that PM2.5 refers to fine particles that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, posing health risks, particularly to individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. The DENR-EMB advised the public, especially those sensitive to air pollution, to minimize outdoor activities in affected areas and take precautions. The agency recommended the use of N95 masks to prevent inhalation of these fine particles, or alternatively, wetting ordinary face masks and fabrics to capture the particles.

The public is encouraged to stay informed through air quality updates from official DENR and local government social media channels, as conditions remain subject to change.

Source: Philippines News Agency