03/09/2026
๐ซ๐ฌ๐ต๐น-๐ฌ๐ด๐ฉ ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ฐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฌ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
๐ท๐ด๐.๐ ๐ณ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ฒ๐๐๐๐๐๐
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The Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesโEnvironmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region XII continues to closely monitor air quality conditions following elevated particulate matter levels recorded at the Koronadal CAAMS-PMS Air Quality Monitoring Station at the City Hall Compound.
The Koronadal Station recorded a 24-hour average PM2.5 concentration of 48 ยตg/mยณ on September 1 and 46 ยตg/mยณ on September 2, both exceeding the 35 ยตg/mยณ maximum limit for a 24-hour average under DAO 2020-14. Based on the air quality breakpoints used in the monitoring advisory, both readings were classified as โVery Unhealthy.โ
The increase in particulate matter may be associated with transboundary haze from ongoing fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, which may have been transported toward the region by prevailing winds, coupled with the absence of significant rainfall.
Meanwhile, the September 3 hourly monitoring results at the Koronadal Station showed a continued increase in PM2.5 levels. Concentrations were recorded at 25 ยตg/mยณ at 12:00 midnight and 1:00 AM, increasing to 26 ยตg/mยณ at 2:00 AM, and reaching 35 ยตg/mยณ at 3:00 AM and 5:00 AM.
The concentration further increased to 38 ยตg/mยณ at 6:00 AM, 41 ยตg/mยณ at 7:00 AM, and 43 ยตg/mยณ at 8:00 AM, placing the air quality in the โUnhealthy for Sensitive Groupsโ category. At 9:00 AM, the concentration was 40 ยตg/mยณ, before increasing to 47 ยตg/mยณ at 10:00 AM and 52 ยตg/mยณ at 11:00 AM, both classified as โVery Unhealthy.โ
By 12:00 noon, the PM2.5 concentration reached 60 ยตg/mยณ, corresponding to the โAcutely Unhealthyโ category based on the monitoring breakpoints.
DENR-EMB XII clarifies that only the Koronadal Air Quality Monitoring Station currently has the capability to analyze PM2.5. The monitoring facilities in Tupi, South Cotabato, and General Santos City use portable ambient air quality monitoring equipment that can measure PM10, but not PM2.5. Other areas in Region XII currently have no established air quality monitoring station.
Given the current air quality conditions and the presence of haze in some areas, DENR-EMB XII advises the public to take precautionary measures, particularly in areas where haze is noticeable. These include:
โข Reduce unnecessary and prolonged outdoor activities, especially in areas visibly affected by haze;
โข Limit exposure to outdoor air pollution, particularly among children, older persons, and individuals who may be more vulnerable to air pollution;
โข Wear a properly fitted face mask, preferably an N95 or equivalent, when going outdoors in areas affected by haze;
โข Keep doors and windows closed when possible to minimize the entry of outdoor pollutants; and
โข Stay informed by monitoring official advisories and updates from DENR-EMB XII, local authorities, and other air quality monitoring agencies.
DENR-EMB XII emphasizes that the monitoring results currently available are based on measurements from specific monitoring equipment and should not be interpreted as representative of the air quality of the entire Region XII, particularly in areas without established monitoring stations.
The Bureau continues to closely monitor air quality conditions and will issue further updates as additional monitoring results become available.
