02/09/2026
๐๐ก๐๐ญ ๐ข๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐ข๐ซ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ข๐ฌ๐งโ๐ญ ๐๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฌ ๐ข๐ญ ๐ฅ๐จ๐จ๐ค๐ฌ?
What looks like a cloudy sky may be more than just weather. Haze can contain tiny particles like PM2.5 that enter deep into the lungs and affect our health.
As of September 2026, parts of the Philippines are experiencing haze associated with smoke from forest and peatland fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, carried toward the country by prevailing winds and the southwest monsoon. DENR-EMB continues to monitor air quality in affected areas, including parts of NCR, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
Recent monitoring has recorded concerning air-quality levels in several locations. In Metro Cebu, PM2.5 reached the โvery unhealthyโ range, while Puerto Princesa recorded an AQI of 228 for PM2.5 on September 2. In Iloilo, air-quality readings have also ranged from good to unhealthy for sensitive groups.
Haze can cause or worsen coughing, difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, eye irritation, and other respiratory problems. Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions may be more vulnerable to the effects of polluted air.
HOW CAN WE PROTECT OURSELVES?
โข Check the air-quality situation in your area through official updates.
โข Limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activities when air quality is poor.
โข Wear a well-fitting mask, preferably an N95, when going outside in areas affected by haze.
โข Keep doors and windows closed when outdoor air quality is unhealthy, when practical.
โข Stay hydrated and protect your eyes from irritation.
โข If you experience significant breathing difficulty, chest pain, or other concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
The haze may have started from fires thousands of kilometers away, but the air we breathe connects us all. Staying informed and taking simple precautions can help reduce our exposure.
The sky may clear, but awareness should never fade. Protect your health, and remind someone you care about to do the same.
References:
Perla Lena. (2026, September 2). Iloilo residents warned of haze health risks as air quality varies. Philippines News Agency; Perla Lena. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1283132
Dava, B. (2026, September). Public urged to stay indoors, mask up as haze persists in parts of PH | ABS-CBN News. ABS-CBN. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/health-science/2026/9/1/public-urged-to-stay-indoors-mask-up-as-haze-persists-in-parts-of-ph-1541
Bacay, H. (2026, September). Harmful haze from Indonesia fires to affect western PH โ Pagasa. Inquirerdotnet; INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo-inquirer-net.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/newsinfo.inquirer.net/2297071/harmful-haze-from-indonesia-fires-to-affect-western-ph-pagasa/amp?amp_gsa=1&_js_v=a9&usqp=mq331AQIUAKwASCAAgM%3D =From%20%251%24s&aoh=17883558799790&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&share=https%3A%2F%2Fnewsinfo.inquirer.net%2F2297071%2Fharmful-haze-from-indonesia-fires-to-affect-western-ph-pagasa
