CEBU CITY, (Philippines): Metro Cebu’s air quality deteriorated to “Very Unhealthy” levels on Sunday (Oct 11), according to the latest readings from the Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas (EMB-7).
The Metro Cebu monitoring station recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 152 at 7am, before rising to 155 by 11am. Both readings fell under the “Very Unhealthy” classification.
EMB-7 advised pedestrians to avoid heavy-traffic areas. People with heart or respiratory diseases, including asthma, were advised to stay indoors and rest as much as possible, postpone unnecessary trips and voluntarily restrict vehicle use.
AQI worsens from Saturday
Metro Cebu’s AQI was 110 at 11am Saturday, classified as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups,” before slightly improving to 109 by 4pm under the same classification.
At that level, EMB-7 advised people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma, to limit outdoor exertion.
By Sunday morning, Metro Cebu’s AQI had sharply risen above 150, placing it in the “Very Unhealthy” category.
Toledo air quality remains ‘Good’
The readings in Metro Cebu contrasted with those in Barangay Cabitoonan, Toledo City, where air quality stayed in the “Good” category.
The Toledo monitoring station recorded an AQI of 29 at 7am Sunday, before dropping to 27 by 11am. Both readings fell within the “Good” classification.
On Saturday, Oct 10, Toledo recorded an AQI of 28 at both 11am and 4pm, also classified as “Good.”
The agency continues to monitor local ambient air quality and encourages the public to check its official updates and air-quality advisories regularly. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
