MANILA | Smoke from widespread wildfires in Kalimantan, Indonesia has reached parts of the Philippines, prompting government agencies and local governments to warn residents to limit outdoor exposure and take precautions as air quality deteriorates in several areas.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) said the haze is being carried toward the Philippines by the prevailing southwest monsoon, or Habagat, while fires remain active in Kalimantan. The agency said the haze may continue to affect parts of the country from September 1 to 3.
As of September 1, the DENR-EMB reported elevated concentrations of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, in several parts of Metro Manila. Eleven monitoring stations recorded “acutely unhealthy” air quality, including stations in Las Piñas, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig and Valenzuela. Four other stations in Makati, Navotas, Pateros and Quezon City recorded “very unhealthy” levels.
The agency said the elevated PM2.5 levels may be associated with smoke and haze from the ongoing fires in Kalimantan that are being transported by prevailing winds toward the Philippines. Air quality monitoring is also being conducted in Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Mimaropa.
The Office of Civil Defense has urged the public to reduce prolonged outdoor exposure and take precautions in areas affected by the haze. It recommended wearing a well-fitting mask, preferably an N95 or equivalent, when going outdoors in areas with noticeable haze.
The Department of Health has likewise advised the public to wear face masks and limit outdoor activities. The agency warned that haze contains polluted air mixed with fine smoke, dust and ash that may trigger respiratory problems, particularly among people who are more sensitive to air pollution.
Several local governments in Metro Manila have issued similar advisories. Residents have been urged to stay indoors when possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities and wear appropriate masks when going outside. Some local governments have also advised keeping doors and windows closed when smoke is noticeable.
According to the DENR-EMB, rainfall could help improve conditions by washing smoke particles and fine particulate matter from the atmosphere. The agency said air quality could gradually improve between September 4 and 6 if widespread rainfall continues and wind patterns shift. Conditions beyond that period, however, will depend on the continued activity of the fires in Kalimantan and the direction of prevailing winds.
The Indonesian wildfires are occurring during an unusually severe dry period. Reuters reported that Indonesia has been battling widespread fires, particularly in Borneo, where large areas of fire-prone peatland are located. Authorities have deployed firefighting aircraft and cloud-seeding operations as they work to contain the fires and limit the spread of smoke.
The current episode is another example of the transboundary nature of Southeast Asia’s haze problem. Smoke from Indonesian forest and peatland fires has previously reached the Philippines, particularly during periods when the southwest monsoon carries air masses from the region toward the country. Similar haze episodes affected parts of Mindanao, the Visayas and southern Luzon in previous years.
For now, authorities are urging residents to monitor official air-quality advisories and minimize unnecessary outdoor exposure, particularly while haze remains visible and PM2.5 levels are elevated.
DC Alviar
Professor DC Alviar is a tenured associate professor at National University (NU) Manila and a steering committee member of the Philippine International Studies Organization (PHISO). He has contributed to NU's community extension initiatives that introduced the five disciplines of a learning organization (Senge, 1990) to communities within a local government unit. He writes and edits local reports for Mega Scene. He graduated with Master of Development Communication (MDC) and Doctor of Communication (DComm) degrees from the University of the Philippines (UP) Open University in Los Baños and was awarded with a Commission on Higher Education (CHED) SIKAP grant. He previously served as editor-in-chief of The Adamson News and his high school publication Ang Ugat.
- DC Alviar
- DC Alviar
- DC Alviar
- DC Alviar
