Cebu cities halt in-person classes as air quality deteriorates

CEBU — Educational institutions in two Cebu municipalities have halted in-person classes as poor air quality grips the region, affecting thousands of students in public and private schools.

Cebu City suspended classes at all levels, encompassing both public and private educational institutions. Lapu-Lapu City followed suit, closing preschools through high schools in the same sectors. The suspensions came as air quality indices reached unhealthy levels, prompting authorities to restrict outdoor activities and in-person learning.

The class suspensions in Cebu coincide with broader air quality concerns affecting other parts of the Visayas region. Iloilo has also reported unhealthy air conditions affecting sensitive population groups, with haze persisting in the area.

Local education officials encouraged schools to shift to alternative learning arrangements where possible. Parents were advised to keep children indoors and monitor air quality advisories from environmental monitoring agencies. The suspensions remain in effect pending improvements in atmospheric conditions.