CAGAYAN de Oro City — Residents in parts of Northern Mindanao are still being urged to limit outdoor exposure as haze continues to affect air quality, with conditions improving in Tagoloan but remaining unhealthy in Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro.
The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-Northern Mindanao recorded a PM2.5 Air Quality Index (AQI) of 92 in Tagoloan as of 10 a.m. Friday, September 4, placing it in the fair category.
That was a sharp improvement from the 234 AQI recorded in Tagoloan the previous day, when the air quality was classified as very unhealthy.
But conditions remained poor in other areas.
The EMB monitoring station at Iligan City Wet Park recorded a PM2.5 AQI of 239, still within the very unhealthy range.
The CDO-DENR X monitoring station at the EMB Region 10 Office Compound recorded a PM2.5 AQI of 154, also indicating unhealthy air quality.
The readings come as haze continues to blanket portions of Mindanao. The EMB said the haze was caused by transported smoke from fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, carried into Mindanao by prevailing winds.
For residents, the continuing haze means outdoor exposure should be limited, particularly for people more vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality.
The EMB advised the public to wear a well-fitting face mask, preferably an N95, when going outdoors and to avoid strenuous outdoor activities whenever possible.
Residents were also advised to stay indoors when possible, remain hydrated and avoid rubbing their eyes. Those experiencing eye irritation should rinse their eyes with clean water.
Children, older adults and people with heart or respiratory conditions were urged to take extra precautions while haze and poor air quality persist.
The agency reminded the public to monitor official air-quality advisories because conditions can change as winds shift and smoke moves across Mindanao.
Meanwhile, a thick haze was also observed in Medina, Misamis Oriental, where the skyline and horizon were obscured around 10 a.m. Friday, reducing visibility in the area.
