ILOILO City — Air quality across Iloilo has remained within safe levels despite haze reports in Metro Cebu and parts of Metro Manila, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region 6 said, assuring the public that current conditions pose minimal risk but warning vulnerable groups to take precautions.
The DENR-EMB conducted air quality monitoring from April 20 to April 21 across four stations in Iloilo to assess any potential impact of the haze affecting other major urban centers.
“Based on the latest monitoring conducted today, air quality across all stations remains within ‘good’ to ‘fair’ Air Quality Index (AQI) levels,” part of the statement from DENR-EMB-6.
However, the agency cautioned that “while air quality is generally within acceptable standards, individuals who are unusually sensitive to air pollution (such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions) are advised to take precautionary measures to reduce exposure.”
Monitoring results showed “good” air quality in Oton and San Miguel stations, while Pavia and the Garden of Love station in Iloilo City recorded “fair” levels.
Under DENR standards, “good” air quality is considered satisfactory and poses little to no risk, while “fair” air quality is acceptable but may cause discomfort for highly sensitive individuals.
The EMB-6 said it will continue monitoring conditions and provide timely updates as needed, noting that air quality may fluctuate depending on pollution sources and weather conditions.
The advisory comes as parts of Metro Manila recently recorded “very unhealthy” levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), prompting authorities to recommend the use of face masks.
PM2.5 refers to tiny solid particles and liquid droplets in the air measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller, which can penetrate deep into the lungs.
As of April 19, “very unhealthy” PM2.5 levels were reported in Caloocan, Malabon, Marikina, and Quezon City, while Navotas City recorded “unhealthy” levels, partly attributed to smoke from a burning landfill. Mandaluyong and Muntinlupa, meanwhile, registered “fair” levels.
Data from the EMB identified major sources of PM2.5 pollution in Metro Manila, including motor vehicle emissions, construction dust, waste management practices, and biomass burning.
Health experts warn that even short-term exposure to high PM2.5 levels can lead to serious health effects, including aggravated asthma, reduced lung function, irregular heartbeat, and increased risk of heart or lung-related complications./PN
