A spike in air pollution has prompted the Cebu Provincial Government to activate emergency protocols, with officials moving to coordinate a response as air quality reached “very unhealthy” levels.
Governor Pamela Baricuatro ordered immediate coordination with national agencies, calling for a unified and science-based approach to monitoring and public advisories.
The Provincial Capitol is now working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and the Department of Health (DOH) for real-time data and guidance.
Public Information Officer Ainjeliz dela Torre-Orong said the governor has requested regular updates and recommendations from concerned agencies.
“Ni ask na si Gov sa DENR to give regular updates also to OCD and DOH for their recommendations,” dela Torre-Orong said.
While awaiting consolidated guidance, precautionary measures have been put in place across the province.
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) under the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has been placed on active status to monitor developments and coordinate response actions.
Hospitals have also been directed to remain on alert for a possible increase in patients affected by poor air quality.
Despite the classification, officials said no air pollution-related hospital admissions have been recorded so far.
Authorities, however, urged the public to limit exposure, especially during peak pollution hours.
“Kung sa makaya indoors lang sa ta… but if kinahanglan mogawas please wear KN95,” the governor said.
Health experts warned that the effects of polluted air may not be immediately visible but can aggravate existing conditions.
Dr. Ma. Barbra Destajo, a cardiologist affiliated with the Philippine Heart Association, said individuals with respiratory illnesses face higher risks.
“In terms of air quality, more so with respiratory condition. If ang patient naa na siyay daan nga respiratory condition like asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), it would trigger ilang underlying problem,” she said.
Destajo added that air pollution may also contribute to cardiovascular complications.
“Pwede pud siya maka trigger sa heart attack. It’s more on respiratory but consequence kay magtapad raman ang heart ug lungs,” she said.
She noted that heart attacks are increasingly being observed among younger patients.
“Heart attack can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. Dili jud na siya mopili—dato, pobre. Very particular mi ana because we’re seeing young patients, heart attack patients,” she said.
In response, public health efforts such as the SAGIP-CPR program are being emphasized to improve emergency preparedness.
Nearly 1,500 participants, including students, have undergone CPR training to strengthen community response to cardiac emergencies.
“Most of the people dili kahibaw mo CPR. Well in fact, kung makabuhat lang jud sa CPR, we can save a life,” Destajo said.
Supporting this, Bell-Kenz Pharma representative Patrick Laraga said most cardiac emergencies occur at home, highlighting the need for wider awareness.
“About 8 out of 10 attacks happen within the vicinity of the house… if somebody else in that household knows CPR, then they would have been able to intervene,” he said.
He added that CPR can be learned quickly and applied immediately in emergencies.
“It takes just a couple of minutes—you just have to follow a certain rhythm… and the important thing is the return demonstration,” Laraga said. (SBA)
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