DENR-EMB urges public to heed precautionary measures against haze
By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Caraga has urged residents to strictly observe precautionary measures as haze continues to affect the region.
Regional Director Ramon Abogadie, in an exclusive interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga, explained that haze is a mixture of smoke and dust. “What we have been experiencing for several days now is what we call transboundary haze, which is caused by the ongoing wildfire in Kalimantan, Indonesia,” Abogadie said. He added that the southwest monsoon, or “hanging habagat,” has hastened the spread of haze from Indonesia to the Philippines, particularly affecting Caraga.
Air quality monitoring
DENR-EMB Caraga currently operates five air quality monitoring stations in the region. Three automated systems located at the Butuan City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), Caraga State University (CSU) Main Campus, and Cabadbaran City provide real-time results. Two manually operated stations in Magallanes and Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, generate data every six days.
On September 3, two stations in Butuan City registered a ‘Very Unhealthy’ air quality classification due to elevated particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅). Cabadbaran City recorded the same classification the following day, prompting local government units to suspend classes until air quality improved.
Haze health effects
Abogadie warned that haze can cause eye and throat irritation, nasal congestion, cough, and breathing difficulties, especially for sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
Engineer Albert Kenneth Arcamo, Engineer III and alternate air focal of DENR-EMB, explained that particulate matter is the key parameter in air quality monitoring. “PM₁₀ measures ten micrometers, about one-seventh the diameter of a strand of hair. PM₂.₅ is even finer, at 2.5 micrometers, and can enter the bloodstream, posing greater danger to those with respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses,” Arcamo said. He reminded the public to wear N95 or KN95 masks to filter fine dust particles.
Safety precautions
To safeguard public health from the hazards of haze, DENR-EMB Caraga advises the public to:
- Minimize prolonged outdoor
activities, especially in areas where haze is visible.
- Limit outdoor exposure for
sensitive groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory
or cardiovascular conditions.
- Wear a well-fitting mask,
preferably N95, KN95, or its equivalent, when outdoors.
- Stay informed through
official advisories and air quality updates issued by DENR-EMB and other
agencies.
Abogadie stressed that public cooperation is crucial. “By taking simple precautionary steps, we can reduce the harmful effects of haze and protect community health,” he said. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)