CEBU – Clearer rules on air quality monitoring and class suspensions may soon be in place across Cebu Province. Gov. Pamela Baricuatro is expected to issue an executive order (EO) establishing guidelines for both, as the Provincial Government seeks to standardize decisions aimed at protecting children from the health risks of air pollution.
Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Baricuatro Catalan-Vizcayno said the Provincial Government reconvened with mayors and their representatives on Monday, Oct. 26, at the Capitol Social Hall. The meeting discussed the next steps following an open forum held the previous week.
Who attended
The coordination meeting was presided over by Gov. Baricuatro. It reviewed the outcomes of the forum, along with position papers and recommendations from national government agencies, parent-teacher associations, medical experts and other stakeholders.
Among those present were Department of Education Cebu Province Division Superintendent Dr. Senen Paulin Aloguinsan and the following mayors:
Mayor Ignatius Moreno
Argao Mayor Allan Sesaldo
Asturias Mayor Andrew Dumdum
Balamban Mayor Amos Cabahug
Boljoon Mayor Jojie Derama
Daanbantayan Mayor Gilbert Arrabis Jr.
San Francisco Mayor Alfred Arquillano
San Remigio Mayor Mariano Martinez
Tabogon Mayor Francis Salimbangon
Tudela Mayor Jojo Solante
Cordova Vice Mayor Victor Tago III, Association of Barangay Councils President Bobby Tambis, representatives from various local government units, and Provincial Board members Neneth Reluya and Paz Rozgoni also attended.
Dr. Catalan-Vizcayno said the inputs would help shape a common framework that prioritizes children's health while accounting for differences in local conditions and the capacities of local government units.
What the EO aims to do
Under the planned EO, the Province aims to strengthen coordination among municipalities, schools and national agencies, while respecting local governments' authority and aligning decisions with national policies.
A key component is clearer air quality reporting. The Province will ask the Department of Environment and Natural Resources' Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) to provide both air quality index (AQI) values and the corresponding concentrations of fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, with explanations to help local officials, schools and families interpret the readings.
The Province will also seek guidance on whether monitoring devices and air quality readings independently obtained by municipalities can be validated, certified or accredited, and what standards would apply.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office will explore monitoring technologies that could be deployed in municipalities, particularly in areas with limited access to local air quality data. National agencies will also be asked to explore ways to expand monitoring coverage and improve the detection of changes in local air quality.
Proposed class suspension timelines
The proposed framework seeks to establish standardized timelines for announcing class suspensions, giving families and schools more time to prepare.
Next-day classes: An advisory for the following school day would be issued by 8 p.m., followed by a final decision by 4:30 a.m. Earlier announcements may be necessary in areas where students leave home earlier.
Afternoon-only suspensions: Announcements would be made by 11 a.m., with the protocol aligned with Executive Order 66.
Data and forecasts: The guidelines would also establish a cutoff for air quality data and ensure available forecasts reach decision-makers before announcement deadlines.
Focal persons: Each local government would designate a focal person and an alternate, with official notices issued through its disaster risk reduction and management office.
Resumption of classes: Classes would resume on the next school day when a valid EMB reading and health advice support the resumption, according to the proposed protocol.
What's next
Dr. Catalan-Vizcayno said continued stakeholder consultations and regular updates would remain part of the process as the guidelines and monitoring arrangements are developed.
From a public health perspective, she stressed that timely decisions depend on reliable information that communities can understand and act on.
The initiative aims to provide clearer guidance to local governments, schools and families while strengthening the province's capacity to protect children during periods of poor air quality.
Dr. Catalan-Vizcayno said the EO and proposed protocols are intended to promote consistency in decision-making, with specific implementation arrangements to be finalized as the guidelines are developed and issued.
Quick Summary
What: Planned EO on air quality monitoring and class suspension guidelines
Where: Cebu Province (meeting at the Capitol Social Hall)
When: Coordination meeting on Monday, Oct. 26; EO expected to be issued
Impact on Visayas: Proposed standardized timelines and clearer air quality reporting for class suspension decisions in Cebu
Source: Capitol PIO, Cebu Provincial Government
Source: Capitol PIO, Cebu Provincial Government (Photos by ASC, ARJ, YJB)