Business · Philippines Bureau
Air quality at Zamboanga university eases from emergency to very unhealthy
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported an improvement in air quality at Ateneo de Zamboanga University on Wednesday evening, though pollution levels remained in the very unhealthy range. The shift down from emergency status marked the first sign of relief after hazardous conditions affected the academic institution.
LSN Philippines ·
The DENR's Environmental Management Bureau issued the assessment in its 5 p.m. advisory on Wednesday, Oct. 14, noting that particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) concentrations had declined from the previous emergency classification. The university's air quality index reflected very unhealthy readings, indicating continued health risks for students, faculty, and staff on campus.
The downgrade from emergency to very unhealthy status suggested that pollution levels, while still hazardous, had begun to stabilize or disperse. However, residents and campus occupants were still advised to take precautions given the elevated PM2.5 levels persisting in the Zamboanga area.
The DENR-EMB continues to monitor air quality across the country as part of its environmental management responsibilities. The agency provides regular updates to alert the public to health risks associated with poor air quality and to guide protective measures.