(Contributed photo/ Sam Eduave)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Local governments in Northern Mindanao have renewed health warnings as haze continues to affect air quality across parts of the region.
The Environmental Management Bureau-Northern Mindanao said elevated levels of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, were recorded at three monitoring stations on Monday, with air quality ranging from unhealthy for sensitive groups to acutely unhealthy.
By 5 p.m., monitoring stations in Tagoloan and Cagayan de Oro registered “fair” air quality, while Iligan remained at the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” level.
EMB-10 said the haze may be linked to smoke from ongoing fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, carried toward the Philippines by prevailing winds.
Local health offices advised residents to limit outdoor activities, especially during periods of poor air quality, and to wear face masks when going outside.
Children, older adults and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions were urged to take extra precautions because they may be more vulnerable to the effects of fine particulate pollution.
Iligan City pediatrician Dr. Marwa Manala-o warned that prolonged exposure to haze could contribute to respiratory problems.
She advised the public to reduce exposure as much as possible while the hazy conditions persist.
