DENR: Cebu haze poses ‘significant’ health risks to residents

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

The DENR urges residents in Metro Cebu to stay indoors, avoid outdoor activities, and wear an N95 or KN95 mask when traveling outside

CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas (DENR-EMB 7) advised residents in the metropolitan areas of Cebu to take immediate safety measures as a haze continues to blanket affected cities and towns, as of Monday, April 20.

“Since April 17, 2026 [Friday], Metro Cebu has been blanketed by a persistent haze, with data from the Talisay City Station highlighting a worrying spike in fine particulate matter (PM2.5),” the agency said in an air quality status report on Monday morning.

On Sunday, April 19, the agency recorded a 199 rating on the Air Quality Index (AQI), which indicates a “Very Unhealthy” air quality classification. On Monday, the rating dropped to 177 on the AQI which still falls under the Very Unhealthy category.

“PM 2.5 pertains to particulates small enough to go into your lungs if inhaled, thus the more you breathe, the more harmful it will be for your health,” the DENR-EMB 7 said in its latest report.

HAZE IN CEBU. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Visayas says air quality in Metro Cebu reached a ‘Very Unhealthy’ level on April 19, 2026. Photo by Jacqueline Hernandez/Rappler

What’s causing the haze

The DENR explained that hot weather and a lack of wind movement are likely contributing to the haze in Metro Cebu.

“In very hot weather, high-pressure systems often lead to stagnant air. Without strong winds or rain to wash the atmosphere, pollutants from vehicles and industry don’t disperse, they hover over the city, creating the hazy conditions recently observed in Talisay and Cebu City,” the DENR said in its April 19 report.

The agency added that the lack of strong winds means that smoke, vehicle emissions, and dust accumulate in populated areas.

“Many people may begin to experience health effects, such as throat irritation, coughing, or shortness of breath… Children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with asthma or heart/lung conditions are at significant risk of respiratory distress,” the DENR said.

Government response

In response to the DENR’s findings on local air quality, the local government of Cebu City and the province have laid out measures to address the safety of residents affected by the haze.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival said in a press conference on Monday that he has instructed Barangay Environmental Officers to reinforce information dissemination on the banning of daob — the local practice of burning waste in a pile.

Cebu Provincial Information Officer Ainjeliz de la Torre-Orong told reporters on the same day that Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro ordered provincial hospitals to be on heightened alert, and secure the safety of patients, especially those with respiratory illnesses.

The DENR-EMB 7 advised residents in Metro Cebu to stay indoors, avoid outdoor activities, and wear an N95 or KN95 mask when traveling outside. – Rappler.com