BACOLOD City — The Environmental Management Bureau-Negros Island Region (EMB-NIR) has urged residents in Negros to wear face masks and limit outdoor exposure as haze continues to affect parts of the island.
The agency particularly advised people with asthma, allergies and other respiratory conditions to take extra precautions amid deteriorating air quality in some areas.
As of 8 a.m. on September 1, La Castellana, Negros Occidental, recorded a “very unhealthy” Air Quality Index (AQI), according to the latest monitoring data from EMB-NIR. Other monitored areas in the region registered fair air quality.
EMB-NIR Director Vicente Losbañes said the agency was closely monitoring air quality through its monitoring equipment in Barangay Alijis, Bacolod City, and Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.
However, authorities have yet to determine the exact source of the haze affecting Negros.
The development comes as haze has also been observed in several areas of Luzon, including Metro Manila, where smoke and haze have been linked to forest fires in Indonesia.
The EMB-NIR recommended that residents wear well-fitted N95 or KN95 face masks, particularly when going outdoors in areas affected by haze or ashfall.
Residents were also advised to stay indoors whenever possible, keep doors and windows closed, and limit unnecessary outdoor activities to reduce exposure to airborne particles.
The agency further urged the public to keep food and drinking water covered to prevent contamination and exercise caution when traveling, as ashfall could reduce visibility and make roads slippery.
Residents were reminded to protect their eyes and remain alert for changes in air quality.
The EMB-NIR urged the public to monitor official advisories from the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), and their respective local government units for updated information and safety guidance.
The bureau said it would continue monitoring air quality across Negros and issue updates as necessary.
In Bacolod City, Mayor Greg Gasataya said the city government would continue monitoring the situation and tracking air quality levels through the monitoring station in Barangay Alijis.
“In case of emergency, please dial our local 911,” Gasataya added./PN
