Davao air quality affected by Indonesian wildfire haze

Smoke from forest and peatland fires in the Kalimantan region of Indonesia has caused deteriorating air quality in parts of the Philippines. Driven by the southwest monsoon, or habagat, the transboundary haze has carried fine particulate matter (PM2.5) across the equator, affecting areas in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.

In the Davao Region, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB 11) reported that while some areas like Malita maintained “Good” air quality, monitoring stations in Digos and Calinan recorded “Fair” levels. Specifically, Calinan saw readings reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category between August 30 and September 1.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) confirmed the haze is linked to the Indonesian fires. Health authorities have advised vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions, to limit prolonged outdoor exposure due to the risks posed by fine particulate matter.