• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Sangguniang Panlungsod is urging all residents of Bacolod to strictly observe precautionary measures against the ongoing atmospheric haze, with the Environmental Management Bureau-Negros Island Region saying Sept. 2 that the quality of air in the city is “very unhealthy”.
“This severe pollution is primarily dangerous because fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and airborne pollutants can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing eye and throat irritation, triggering respiratory tract infections, and exacerbating pre-existing conditions, such as asthma, bronchitis, and cardiovascular diseases,” the SP said in approving the resolution authored by Councilor Em Ang Sept. 2.
Proactive public health preparedness is highly necessary to protect the lives, wellbeing, and livelihoods of Bacolodnons, Ang, chairperson of the SP Committee on Health and Sanitation, said.
She stressed the need for immediate intervention of the city’s health and disaster response units to implement preventive information campaigns, continuous air quality monitoring, and the distribution of protective equipment to vulnerable sectors before public health is severely compromised.
The SP also urged the City Health Office, in coordination with the Bacolod City DRRMO and the EMB, to intensify public health interventions and continuously monitor the air quality index to mitigate health risks.
The resolution said Bacolod and several localities in Negros Occidental are currently affected by dense atmospheric haze, a phenomenon largely driven by prevailing southwest monsoon wind carrying transboundary pollution, and exacerbated by local atmospheric conditions.
The EMB-NIR said pedestrians in Bacolod should avoid heavy traffic areas. “People with heart or respiratory disease, such as asthma, should stay indoors and rest as much as possible. Unnecessary trips should be postponed.” | CGC
