Cebu Air Quality Turns Very Unhealthy: Classes Suspended Again
Metro Cebu's air quality index stayed in the "very unhealthy" range, and several cities moved students to home-based learning. What EMB-7 says is behind it and how to protect yourself.
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Cebu air quality has been rated "very unhealthy" again this week, and several local governments in Metro Cebu have responded by suspending face-to-face classes. According to reports from The Manila Times and Cebu Daily News, readings from the Environmental Management Bureau Central Visayas (EMB-7) reached an index of 180 on Sunday, October 11, and were still at 164 to 165 on Tuesday, October 13.
For residents and visitors, this matters for school schedules, outdoor plans and anyone with a breathing or heart condition. Here is what has been reported so far.
What happened to Cebu air quality this week
The Manila Times reported that EMB-7's Metro Cebu monitoring station recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 180 at 4 p.m. on Sunday, and 156 at 7 a.m. on Monday, October 12, which is still in the "very unhealthy" band. On the same Monday morning, the station in Toledo City recorded 25, classed as "good."
By Tuesday, Cebu Daily News reported, EMB-7 logged readings of 164 at 6 p.m., and local governments cited an advisory showing 165 at 4 p.m. when they announced Wednesday's class arrangements.
Which areas suspended in-person classes
On Monday, October 12, the Manila Times listed eleven local governments that suspended face-to-face classes:
- All levels, public and private schools: Cebu City, Mandaue City, Lapu-Lapu City, Minglanilla, Carcar City and Consolacion.
- Public schools only (private schools and some colleges decide for themselves): Talisay City, San Fernando, Cordova, Naga City and Liloan.
For Wednesday, October 14, Cebu Daily News listed Cebu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City and Minglanilla among the local governments that suspended in-person classes. Cebu City ordered asynchronous learning at all levels, which the Manila Times described as students studying at home through modules, materials and assigned activities, without live online sessions at fixed times. Mandaue said public schools would switch to alternative delivery modes, while private schools could choose that route or schedule make-up classes.
Mayor Nestor Archival described the Cebu City suspension as a precautionary measure to protect the health and safety of students, teachers and school staff.
What is causing the haze
This episode appears different from the one in September. At that time, SunStar reported that haze in Metro Cebu was linked to smoke from forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia. For this week's readings, EMB-7 said the main drivers are local emissions from motor vehicles, industrial operations and other area-specific activities, according to the Manila Times. The agency added that low night and early-morning temperatures trapped fine particles and that very light winds kept them from dispersing. An earlier assessment found no sign of transboundary pollution.
EMB-7 monitoring for October 1 to 7 also showed PM2.5 and PM10 levels rising between 4 p.m. and midnight, with PM10 staying within the 150 µg/m³ guideline value. The agency warned that elevated PM2.5 could continue while local emissions and weather conditions stay the same.
How to protect yourself
In its September advisory, as reported by SunStar, EMB-7 gave the following guidance, which still applies to anyone affected by poor air:
- Avoid heavy-traffic areas when walking.
- People with heart or respiratory conditions, including asthma, should stay indoors and rest as much as possible.
- Postpone unnecessary trips and limit vehicle use voluntarily.
- Check official EMB-7 updates and advisories before heading out.
This article is for general information, not medical advice. If you or a family member has breathing difficulties, please see a doctor.
What travellers should do
Visitors do not need to cancel trips because of one hazy week, but it is sensible to plan indoor activities such as museums, malls and food stops for the evenings, when EMB-7 data show particle levels climbing. Check the Cebu weather page and our Cebu guide for planning, and see other updates on the news page. For storm season, read our guide to PAGASA typhoon signals. Official air quality advisories come from the DENR Environmental Management Bureau.
Sources
- The Manila Times: Face-to-face classes halted in Cebu amid air quality concerns
- Cebu Daily News: LIST: Cebu LGUs suspend face-to-face classes on Wednesday, October 14
- SunStar Cebu: Metro Cebu air quality stays very unhealthy amid haze
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AQI level called "very unhealthy"?
It is a warning band on the air quality index; readings of about 156 to 180 this week were all classed that way by EMB-7, and everyone may feel effects, especially children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions.
Are classes still suspended in Cebu?
Suspensions are announced day by day by each city and school. Check your local government's advisory and EMB-7 updates for the latest.
Is Cebu safe to visit right now?
Flights and daily life continue, but people with respiratory conditions should limit time outdoors in heavy traffic and follow EMB-7 advisories.
