Air quality in Metro Cebu improves

Local

AIR quality across Metro Cebu has improved after pollutants increased in the past few days.

Monitoring stations recorded an Air Qulity Index (AQI) of 139 on Tuesday, April 21 marking an improvement to “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.”

Stronger winds helped disperse accumulated pollutants across Metro Cebu, though authorities continued to advise caution for children, the elderly, and individuals with heart and lung conditions due to lingering fine particulate matter.

Health authorities urged protection for vulnerable groups as polluted air continued to affect people with respiratory conditions.

Dr. Ma. Barbra Destajo of the Philippine Heart Association warned that exposure can worsen existing illnesses.

“If ang patient naa na siyay daan nga respiratory condition like asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), it would trigger ilang underlying problem," she said.

The health expert added that air pollution can also escalate cardiovascular risks.

City officials enforced stricter environmental controls as Cebu City responded to worsening conditions.

Mayor Nestor Archival directed barangay officers to intensify monitoring against garbage burning and pushed residents to reduce vehicle use.

“Grabe kaayo ang ka-dry, daghan ang abog. Ang hangin nga mu-bend wala kaayo siyay movement, that’s why nag-standby ang pollutants," he said, adding that traffic activity keeps pollutants concentrated within affected areas, especially during congestion periods.

He also noted that some residents continue to burn waste, which further worsens air quality.

Environmental officials advised residents to adjust outdoor routines as pollution levels peaked during rush hours.

The Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas said exposure risk rises early morning and late afternoon.

The agency's air specialist Engr. Arthur Niño Calupig urged joggers to reduce outdoor exercise during peak hours when particulate matter and air pollutants reach their highest levels.

He reported that pollution levels typically spike from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and again from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., periods that coincide with rush hour traffic across Metro Cebu.(MyTVCebu)