DAVAO CITY – The Environmental Management Bureau-Davao Region (EMB-11) said that ambient air monitoring stations across the region reported mixed air quality levels as of 7 a.m. on Wednesday.
In its bulletin, Tagum station recorded good conditions, while Malita, Digos, and Calinan stations registered fair levels due to elevated particulate matter (PM2.5). PM2.5 refers to microscopic airborne particles measuring 2.5 micrometers or less – about 30 times thinner than a human hair.
Due to their size, these particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, posing a significant health concern, especially for people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Data showed that Tagum Station posted an air quality index (AQI) of 40.98 for PM2.5, indicating safe conditions.
Meanwhile, the Malita, Digos, and Calinan stations recorded AQI values of 67.21, 56.08, and 69.4, respectively.
For PM10, Malita and Digos stations reported good air quality at 33.4 and 42.9, while Calinan registered fair levels at 58.
“According to the Copernicus Fire Emission Watch, smoke from ongoing forest fires in South Papua and Kalimantan, Indonesia, is expected to continue affecting the Philippines via transboundary transport,” EMB-11 said.
The agency added that prevailing winds may carry smoke toward Mindanao, potentially causing haze, reduced visibility, and elevated PM2.5 concentrations in parts of the region.
“The extent of the impact will depend on wind direction, atmospheric dispersion, rainfall, and the persistence of fires in Indonesia,” EMB-11 said.
The agency also noted that current air quality at all stations remains acceptable and poses no health risks to the general public.