Cebu City Holds Meeting on Air Quality Assessment, Class Suspension Guidelines During Haze
The Cebu City Government convened representatives from concerned government agencies, health authorities, education institutions, and other stakeholders on October 15, 2026, to discuss air quality assessment and establish clearer guidelines for class suspensions during haze episodes.
The meeting, held at the Mayor's Conference Room at 2 p.m., focused on developing a coordinated, data-driven approach to protect students, teachers, workers, and other vulnerable sectors amid elevated Air Quality Index (AQI) readings in Metro Cebu.
Who attended
Vice Mayor Tomas "Tommy" Osmeña and Atty. Augusto Go attended the meeting, which brought together representatives from the Department of Health Region VII (DOH-7), the Commission on Higher Education Region VII (CHED-7), educational institutions, and other concerned offices and organizations.
Among the other attendees were Monsyne D. Cabual of CHED-7, Michael T. Gerson of DOH-7, Edgar Allan E. Jabone of PAREF Springdale, Fr. Alden B. Alipin, OAR, of USC-R, and Janzeen Joseph Sevilla of CIT-U, along with representatives from other educational institutions, government offices, and civil society organizations.
A consistent, science-based framework
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival emphasized the need for a consistent framework based on scientific data and expert recommendations. He noted that decisions on class suspensions affect not only students and schools but also working families, businesses, and the wider community.
The discussions centered on establishing clear AQI thresholds and corresponding preventive measures, including the circumstances that would warrant class suspensions. Participants also considered ways to balance public health protection with learning continuity and minimize disruptions to economic activities.
Health advice
Health representatives advised the public to minimize outdoor exposure during periods of unhealthy air quality, particularly children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and individuals with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Measures discussed included limiting outdoor activities, using appropriate protective masks when necessary, and ensuring that schools and workplaces take steps to reduce exposure.
Coordination among agencies
The participants also stressed the importance of closer coordination among the Environmental Management Bureau Region VII (EMB-7), the City Health Department, education officials, school administrators, and other concerned agencies to ensure that decisions are guided by reliable air quality monitoring data and public health recommendations.
Interim approach for AQI 151 to 200
An interim approach was discussed for AQI readings in the 151 to 200 range, classified as Very Unhealthy under the classification referenced during the meeting. Under the proposed approach, private schools would be expected to take responsibility for protecting students and personnel while the city coordinates with the appropriate authorities to develop clearer, standardized guidelines.
The meeting further highlighted the need for a comprehensive protocol that would establish appropriate interventions at different AQI levels, including guidance for public and private schools and other institutions.
What's next
The Cebu City Government underscored the importance of evidence-based decision-making and inter-agency cooperation in addressing haze episodes, with public health protection remaining a priority while ensuring that appropriate measures are implemented consistently across schools and other sectors.
The proposed guidelines will require further coordination with concerned health and environmental authorities to establish clear, consistent, and science-based measures for future air quality incidents.
Source: Cebu City Public Information Office (#CebuCityPIO)