Politics · Philippines Bureau
Philippines suspends in-person classes Oct. 15 amid hazardous air quality
Several local government units across the Philippines have announced class suspensions for October 15 as transboundary haze continues to degrade air quality to hazardous levels. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has warned of very unhealthy conditions in affected areas.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Multiple local government units announced Wednesday that in-person classes would be suspended on October 15 due to deteriorating air quality caused by lingering transboundary haze affecting the region.
The suspensions come as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) documented hazardous air conditions across several areas. Air quality readings in some locations, including Ateneo de Zamboanga, reached very unhealthy levels, prompting authorities to take preventive measures to protect students and school personnel from exposure to harmful pollutants.
Transboundary haze, typically originating from biomass burning in neighboring regions, has become an increasingly common challenge for the Philippines during certain periods of the year. The suspended classes on October 15 represent a coordinated response by education authorities and local government units to safeguard public health.
The EMB continued to monitor air quality conditions across the country. Officials advised the public to limit outdoor activities and use appropriate protective equipment when venturing outside during periods of poor air quality.