• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) has called on local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce existing ordinances prohibiting open burning as haze continues to affect parts of the province.
The PHO stressed that the burning of household waste, agricultural materials and other substances in open areas must be prevented, particularly as deteriorating air quality could pose additional health risks to residents.
The advisory came amid haze affecting several areas in the Philippines, reportedly associated with smoke and transboundary haze from ongoing forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
The PHO urged LGUs to ensure full compliance with environmental regulations and intensify enforcement of local ordinances against open burning and other activities that could further degrade air quality.
LGUs were also encouraged to regularly issue localized air quality updates to keep residents informed and alert to conditions in their respective areas.
The PHO said people experiencing coughing, difficulty in breathing, or irritation of the throat, eyes or nose should seek medical attention at the nearest health facility.
It also advised workplaces and residents to follow prescribed safety measures, including wearing masks and reducing exposure to polluted air, to help prevent respiratory and cardiovascular emergencies.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Management Bureau-Negros Island Region (EMB-NIR) said it continues to monitor ambient air quality in Bacolod City, La Carlota City and La Castellana amid the haze as of Sunday, Sept. 6.
Based on the latest monitoring data cited by the EMB-NIR, some monitoring stations in the three areas recorded “good” air quality levels although authorities continue to closely monitor conditions. | GPB
