Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso issued an urgent public warning alerting Manileños to the rapidly deteriorating air quality across the city caused by transboundary haze from ongoing forest and land fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
In his “Talk to the People” via Facebook, Domagoso said air quality monitoring machines operated by the City Government of Manila recorded alarming readings.
Three stations at Puregold Tayuman, Anda Circle, and San Sebastian Residences logged “Very Unhealthy” Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, while two stations at Sta. Ana Hospital and Rajah Sulayman Park recorded “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” levels.
These readings are consistent with data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB).
The DENR-EMB’s real-time monitoring station at Mehan Garden, Manila City, recorded an AQI of 231, classified as “Acutely Unhealthy,” placing Manila among the most severely affected cities in Metro Manila.
The mayor urged all Manileños, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions, senior citizens, pregnant women, and students, to wear masks at all times when going outdoors.
He even strongly recommended doubling up on masks given the severity of the air pollution.
“Importanteng-importante na gumamit tayo ng mask, at hangga’t maaari, ito ay doblehin ninyo dahil hindi po maganda ang hangin na ating malalanghap,” Domagoso said.
He also advised residents without urgent outdoor obligations to stay indoors and keep their windows closed to prevent contaminated air from affecting their respiratory systems.
“Kung kayo’y may mga pre-condition at kung wala naman po kayong mahalagang gagawin sa labas, stay indoors.”
“Kung kayo’y may mga pre-condition at kung wala naman po kayong mahalagang gagawin sa labas, stay indoors. Hangga’t maaari, isara natin ang ating mga bintana sapagkat maaari pong maapektuhan ang ating respiratory system,” Domagoso said.
He explained that the haze is linked to the massive forest fires burning in Kalimantan and Sumatra, Indonesia, which have generated thick smoke transported toward the Philippines by prevailing winds.
Domagoso assured the public that the Manila Health Department (MHD) and the city’s seven district hospitals are on full alert for a possible surge in patients affected by the poor air quality.
“Rest assured that the Manila Health Department and our hospitals are on alert. Inaabayanan na namin, baka magkaroon ng bulusok o biglang pagdami ng mga pasyenteng maaaring naapektuhan nitong masamang hangin,” he said.
Domagoso noted that the air quality situation compounds an already serious public health challenge in the city, as Manila continues to grapple with a leptospirosis surge amid the impact of monsoon rains.
He directed the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (MCDRRMD) and the Department of Environment and Public Services (DEPS) to continue monitoring wind trajectory and air quality data, with updates to be shared with the public throughout the day.
“Babalitaan po namin kayo, antabayanan po ninyo ang aming mga post o data na ishe-share sa inyo,” Domagoso said.
“Daig ng maagap ang masipag.”
“Daig ng maagap ang masipag. Hinihikayat ko po ang lahat ng mamamayan sa Lungsod ng Maynila, at ang mga taong dumadako dito, na magbigay ng additional protection sa inyong sarili,” he concluded.
