As of 9:10 a.m., a dense layer of haze blankets the Metro Manila skyline on Sept. 1, 2026, as smoke from forest fires in Indonesia reaches parts of the Philippines. —Inquirer photo/Niño Jesus Orbeta
MANILA, Philippines — Some areas in Metro Manila recorded “very unhealthy” air quality levels on Wednesday because of the lingering transboundary haze that may be connected to ongoing fires in Indonesia.
According to the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), high PM2.5 levels—which refer to fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter—were observed in parts of the National Capital Region (NCR).
“The observed haze is possibly associated with smoke and transboundary haze from ongoing fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, which may have been transported toward the Philippines by prevailing winds,” the DENR-EMB said in a statement.
Among these areas that registered a “very unhealthy” level of air quality index (AQI) ranging from 151 to 200 were Caloocan (University of the East), Las Piñas, Muntinlupa (Parang), Muntinlupa (Filinvest City), Parañaque (Don Bosco) and Parañaque (Peatc or PEA Tollway Corp).
The EMB warned that prolonged exposure to such air quality levels may worsen the condition of people with lung and heart ailments.
On the other hand, the following areas logged an AQI of between 101 and 150, which belongs to the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” level. Under this category, the air quality may pose risks to children, pregnant women, elderly and other vulnerable individuals.
The affected areas were Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina (Parang), Navotas, Pasay, Pateros, Quezon City (Ateneo), San Juan City, Taguig (Technological University of the Philippines or TUP) and Valenzuela.
The DENR-EMB advised residents to minimize outdoor activities and to take precautionary measures such as wearing masks, preferably an N95, when going outside.