Cebu Schools Stay Closed as Haze Persists Despite Air Quality Gains

Educational institutions across multiple municipalities in Cebu maintained class closures Friday as thick haze continued to affect the Central Visayas region. The Metro Cebu monitoring station recorded an Air Quality Index reading of 197 as of 11 a.m., marking a slight decrease from previous measurements but remaining at levels considered hazardous to public health.

The persistent haze has forced local authorities to keep schools shuttered in affected areas, with visibility and respiratory concerns prompting the precautionary measure. Air quality readings in the 151-200 range are classified as 'very unhealthy,' typically advising vulnerable populations and those with respiratory conditions to minimize outdoor exposure.

Environmental officials monitoring the situation indicated the improvement, though modest, reflected changing atmospheric conditions. However, meteorological patterns continue to trap pollutants over the region, preventing further dispersal of the haze that has blanketed portions of Central Visayas.

Authorities are expected to reassess conditions and determine whether class suspensions will remain in effect as monitoring continues throughout the week.