AFTER days of unhealthy air conditions, Metro Cebu’s air quality improved to the “Fair” level on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026, according to the Environmental ManagementBureau (EMB) 7.
The Metro Cebu monitoring station recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 86 as of 4 p.m., improving from 98 at 11 a.m. and 102 at 7 a.m. The morning reading was classified as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.”
EMB 7 said air quality can change depending on the direction and strength of prevailing winds.
In Toledo City, air quality remained “Good,” with the AQI improving from 37 at 7 a.m. to 34 at 11 a.m. and 33 by 4 p.m. “Fair” air quality is generally acceptable, although people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution may experience health effects.
The latest Metro Cebu reading was an improvement from elevated pollution levels recorded in recent days. Air quality deteriorated during the first week of September, reaching the “Very Unhealthy” and “Acutely Unhealthy” categories.
Haze from Indonesia
The haze began affecting Central Visayas on Sept. 1 as smoke and fine particulate matter from forest and land fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, were carried toward the Philippines by southwest monsoon winds.
Metro Cebu’s AQI peaked at 252 on Sept. 3, placing it in the “Acutely Unhealthy” category.
The haze reduced visibility and prompted health warnings because of the risks from prolonged exposure to fine particulate matter.
Conditions fluctuate
Air quality improved over the following days but continued to fluctuate. On Wednesday, Sept. 9, Metro Cebu recorded an AQI of 116 at both 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., still classified as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.”
The EMB 7 has said changing wind direction and other atmospheric conditions can affect the movement and concentration of pollutants.
The bureau continues to monitor ambient air quality across Central Visayas to determine the presence and extent of the haze and its potential effects on public health.
The EMB 7 urged the public to regularly check official air-quality updates and advisories because conditions may change throughout the day.
/ DPC