MANILA, Philippines — Air quality in parts of Metro Manila reached “acutely unhealthy” levels Monday evening as haze from forest fires in Indonesia drifted toward the Philippines.
 |
| A thick haze blankets the Makati City skyline as observed on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, amid reports of smoke from forest fires in Indonesia reaching parts of the Philippines. Photo: The Summit Express |
Data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) showed Parañaque’s Don Bosco recording the region’s highest Air Quality Index (AQI) at 270 as of 7 p.m., followed by Las Piñas at 205.
Both readings fell under the “Acutely Unhealthy” category, while most other monitored areas recorded “Very Unhealthy” air quality.
Manila posted an AQI of 198, followed by Malabon at 186, Valenzuela and Quezon City-Ateneo at 179 each, and Taguig-TUP at 176.
The AQI measures concentrations of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, which can penetrate deep into the respiratory system and pose greater health risks.
Smoke from Indonesia
The deteriorating conditions came as smoke from forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, reached Metro Manila and other parts of the country.
Dr. Gerry Bagtasa, an atmospheric physicist and meteorology professor at the University of the Philippines, said satellite images showed active fires in western and southern Kalimantan in recent days.
He said an unusual cross-equatorial wind pattern, reinforced by the southwest monsoon or Habagat, carried smoke across the Java Sea and South China Sea toward the Philippines.
Bagtasa said the haze could not be attributed solely to local emissions because strong winds would normally disperse pollutants generated by vehicles and factories.
The absence of rain along the smoke’s path also allowed pollutants to travel farther, he added.
Quezon City issues advisory
Quezon City meanwhile issued an air quality advisory urging children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and people with heart or lung conditions to limit outdoor exposure and wear face masks when necessary.
The city also suspended face-to-face classes in all public schools Tuesday, September 1, due to unhealthy air quality.
— The Summit Express
Start the conversation. Share your thoughts, insights, or reactions, and connect with fellow readers.