Politics · Philippines Bureau
Cebu suspends classes as transboundary haze blankets region
Air quality deteriorated sharply across Cebu over the weekend as smoke from Indonesian forest fires drifted across the Philippines, prompting educational authorities to halt in-person instruction.
LSN Philippines ·
CEBU CITY — Multiple local government units in Cebu have suspended face-to-face classes as transboundary haze from active forest fires in Indonesia degraded air quality throughout the region. Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival announced the suspension of in-person classes at all education levels effective Monday, September 21, citing hazardous atmospheric conditions. The decision followed a sharp deterioration in air quality measurements recorded on Sunday, September 20.
The haze, originating from ongoing forest fires in neighboring Indonesia, has blanketed portions of Cebu and prompted regional health and environmental authorities to warn residents of potential respiratory risks. The suspension affects both public and private educational institutions across various municipalities in the province.
The Philippines has experienced recurring transboundary haze episodes during peak burning seasons in Indonesia, affecting air quality across portions of Mindanao and the Visayas. Regional officials continue to monitor atmospheric conditions and are expected to issue updates regarding the resumption of classroom operations.