NATION

Metro Cebu air turns ‘acutely unhealthy’

Rico Osmeña · Sep 19, 2026, 11:11 PM

TOURISTS visit the Talisay City Liberation Park in Cebu, which commemorates the historic 1945 landing of Allied forces. On Saturday, the Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas recorded an ‘acutely unhealthy’ air quality in Metro Cebu, attributing the haze to smoke originating from Kalimantan, Indonesia. — Photograph courtesy of Talisay City Environment and Natural Resources Office

The Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas (EMB-7) recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 238 for Metro Cebu on Saturday.

The Metro Cebu monitoring station in Talisay City said the reading falls under the “Acutely Unhealthy” classification, prompting health precautions for residents, particularly those with existing heart and respiratory conditions.

The determination was attributed to the continued presence of haze originating from Kalimantan, Indonesia.

EMB-7 advised residents to limit outdoor exertion, while people with heart or respiratory diseases, including asthma, should remain indoors and rest as much as possible.

Residents were also advised to postpone unnecessary trips.

Depending on the severity and persistence of the air pollution, the use of motor vehicles and certain industrial activities may also be restricted or curtailed.

Meanwhile, the Air Quality monitoring station in Toledo City recorded an AQI of 56, which is classified as “Fair.”

EMB-7 continues to monitor ambient air quality in the region and urged the public to stay informed through official air quality advisories and updates.

Residents, especially those considered vulnerable to air pollution, are encouraged to take precautions as authorities continue to monitor the haze and prevailing wind conditions.