ILOILO — Transboundary haze from widespread fires in Indonesia has reached Iloilo, with environmental authorities confirming its presence in Miag-ao town and prompting the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) campus there to enforce precautionary mask measures as authorities warned residents against prolonged exposure.
The confirmation marks a significant development after the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 6 earlier intensified air-quality monitoring across Iloilo amid concerns that smoke from fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia could be carried toward the Philippines by prevailing winds.
“The University of the Philippines Visayas advises all constituents to wear snug-fitting face masks when outdoors as a precautionary measure against the haze caused by fires in Indonesia that has reached Miag-ao, Iloilo,” UPV said in a statement.
“The presence of the haze in Miag-ao has been confirmed by the Environmental Management Bureau,” it added.
Members of the UPV community were “strongly encouraged” to minimize prolonged outdoor activities, particularly those who may be sensitive to poor air quality, the university stated in its advisory.
Campus constituents were also urged to remain vigilant and monitor further advisories from university officials and environmental agencies.
The development came days after EMB-6 monitored ambient air quality in Iloilo City and other areas within the Metro Iloilo Airshed from August 28 to 31 following reports of haze affecting several parts of the country.
“In view of the haze affecting several areas in the Philippines, possibly associated with smoke and transboundary haze from ongoing fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, the DENR-EMB Region 6 continues to closely monitor Ambient Air Quality levels in Iloilo City and other areas within Metro Iloilo Airshed,” EMB-6 earlier said.
EMB is an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Despite the haze threat, PM2.5 Air Quality Index readings in Iloilo City from August 28 to 31 remained within the “Good to Fair” category, indicating generally acceptable air quality during the monitoring period.
Under DENR classifications, “Good” air quality is “satisfactory, poses little to no risk,” while “Fair” is “acceptable, but few hypersensitive individuals may experience discomfort.”
PM2.5 refers to microscopic solid particles and liquid droplets measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter. Their extremely small size allows them to penetrate deep into the lungs.
EMB-6 had cautioned, however, that air-quality conditions could change depending on pollution sources and meteorological factors.
Monitoring results from EMB-6 stations in Oton, San Miguel and Pavia had yet to be released as of September 1.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD), meanwhile, urged people in haze-affected areas to remain indoors as much as possible until atmospheric conditions improve.
OCD Deputy Administrator for Administration Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said emergency management personnel were coordinating with the DENR-EMB in monitoring particulate levels.
“We are urging the public, especially vulnerable groups, to take necessary precautions against deteriorating air quality,” Alejandro said.
Authorities particularly advised children, older persons and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions to limit their outdoor exposure.
Residents in areas visibly affected by haze were advised to keep doors and windows closed, avoid strenuous outdoor activities such as jogging and cycling, and use snug-fitting N95 or similarly protective masks when going outside.
People experiencing eye irritation, persistent coughing, throat discomfort or difficulty breathing were advised to seek medical attention.
The DENR-EMB Central Office earlier said haze had been observed in several parts of the Philippines, particularly the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, CALABARZON and MIMAROPA.
The agency said the haze was possibly associated with smoke from ongoing fires in Kalimantan, which may have been transported toward the Philippines by prevailing winds.
DENR-EMB continues to monitor air quality through its network of monitoring stations to determine the extent and potential effects of the haze.
Authorities urged the public to remain calm and rely on official government advisories for verified information as air-quality conditions continue to be monitored./PN
