Metro Iloilo air remains safe amid haze

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Air quality across Metro Iloilo remains within safe levels despite recent haze reports affecting Metro Cebu and parts of Manila, the Environmental Management Bureau Region 6 (EMB-6) said.

In an advisory issued April 22, EMB-6 said air quality in the area remained within “good” to “fair” levels on the Air Quality Index (AQI).

The agency operates four ground-level particulate matter monitoring stations in Iloilo.

Data showed that stations in Oton and San Miguel recorded “good” AQI levels on April 21.

The monitoring station in Pavia registered “fair” air quality on the same date.

The Garden of Love station in La Paz, Iloilo City also posted “fair” AQI readings on both April 20 and April 21.

While overall air quality remains acceptable, EMB-6 advised sensitive groups, including children, senior citizens, and individuals with respiratory conditions, to take precautionary measures to reduce exposure to air pollution.

“Air quality conditions may vary due to changing pollution sources and meteorological factors,” it added.

The haze that blanketed parts of Metro Cebu and Metro Manila in recent days has been attributed to a combination of vehicular emissions, open burning, and weather patterns that trap pollutants close to the ground.

Despite the safe-level readings, the Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) urged residents to minimize outdoor exposure when pollution levels rise.

The public is also advised to stay indoors when possible, close windows, and improve indoor air quality.

“We are also advising the wearing of masks especially in the outdoors to protect vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women and elderly,” CHO head Dr. Mary Ann Diaz said.