Air quality in monitored areas across the Davao Region remains within the good category, although the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB 11) continues to monitor the possible movement of smoke from forest fires in Indonesia.
In its latest ambient air quality monitoring report, DENR-EMB 11 recorded good levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in four monitoring stations located in Tagum, Calinan, Digos and Malita.
The recorded Air Quality Index (AQI) values were 32 in Tagum, 34 in Calinan, 19.2 in Digos and 37 in Malita, all classified as good.
For particulate matter 10 (PM10), Calinan posted an AQI of 43.5, while Digos and Malita both registered 19.4. These readings also fell within the good category.
The bureau said the results indicate that current air pollution levels in the monitored areas are unlikely to pose health risks to the general public, allowing residents to continue their normal outdoor activities.
Despite the favorable readings, DENR-EMB 11 is closely monitoring the possible entry of smoke from ongoing forest fires in South Papua and Kalimantan, Indonesia, which could be transported to parts of the Philippines through prevailing winds.
Forecasts from the Copernicus Fire Emission Watch and Zoom Earth Wind Direction indicate that wind patterns may carry smoke toward Mindanao, potentially increasing PM2.5 concentrations and causing haze and reduced visibility in parts of the Davao Region.
The bureau said the potential impact would depend on several factors, including wind direction, atmospheric dispersion, rainfall and the persistence of forest fires in affected areas of Indonesia.
DENR-EMB 11 reiterated that air quality readings in the four monitored areas remain good, but said it will continue monitoring ambient air conditions across the region to detect possible changes and issue timely public advisories.
Residents were advised to follow the bureau’s official communication channels for updated monitoring results and announcements, as changing weather and wind conditions could influence the movement of smoke across national borders.
