ILOILO City – This city’s air remains safe to breathe despite persistent haze affecting parts of the Philippines and concerns that smoke from fires in Indonesia could reach the country, according to the latest monitoring of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 6.
The agency reported that the city’s rolling 24-hour Air Quality Index (AQI) average for PM2.5 was classified as “Good” as of 8 a.m. Monday, September 7, indicating little or no potential health concern for the general population.
The reading was recorded by the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) at the Garden of Love in Barangay Nabitasan, La Paz district.
“Based on the latest ambient air quality monitoring result from the Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) located at Garden of Love, Barangay Nabitasan, La Paz, Iloilo City, the recorded PM2.5 rolling 24-hour AQI average as of 8:00 AM on September 7, 2026, is classified as ‘Good,’” the EMB-6 said.
The agency said the classification means ambient air quality in the city remains generally satisfactory despite the haze.
“This indicates that the air quality is generally satisfactory, with little or no potential health concern for the general population,” the advisory stated.
The favorable reading comes as haze continues to affect several areas of the country, prompting environmental authorities to closely watch air quality amid the possibility that smoke and transboundary haze from ongoing fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia may be contributing to the condition.
EMB-6 said it is maintaining close surveillance of air quality not only in Iloilo City but across the Metro Iloilo Airshed as haze conditions persist.
Monitoring results from other Ambient Air Monitoring Stations will also be released once available.
“Updated monitoring results will be regularly posted through the EMB Region 6 channels for public information, awareness, and guidance,” the advisory added.
The “Good” AQI classification offers reassurance to residents amid concerns over the haze, but environmental authorities remain on alert for possible changes in air quality should the condition persist or intensify./PN
