Haze Blankets Iligan City as Unhealthy Air Persists, Public Health At Risk

The haze affecting parts of the Philippines continues to raise air-quality concerns in Iligan City, as Northern Mindanao remains among the areas experiencing unhealthy levels of fine particulate matter.


The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) has attributed the haze to smoke from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia, carried toward the Philippines by prevailing winds. Several areas in Visayas and Mindanao have recorded unhealthy to acutely unhealthy air-quality levels.


Iligan has experienced some of the highest readings in the region, with DENR-EMB monitoring recording PM2.5 levels reaching the “acutely unhealthy” category. Despite fluctuations in air-quality readings, Iligan has yet to consistently return to healthy air conditions.



The haze poses particular risks to children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions. Outdoor workers, commuters, students, and others who spend extended periods outdoors may also face greater exposure to the polluted air. The Iligan City Health Office has advised residents to wear masks and remain indoors when possible, particularly when air quality deteriorates.


For Iliganons, the haze has turned a regional environmental problem into a daily health concern. Exposure to fine particulate matter may cause coughing, throat and eye irritation, and difficulty breathing, while also aggravating existing respiratory conditions. Residents are urged to limit unnecessary outdoor activities, avoid strenuous outdoor exercise, and monitor official air-quality advisories.


While some monitoring platforms currently report lower Air Quality Index (AQI) readings, these may differ due to variations in monitoring methods and data sources. These readings should therefore be considered alongside official local measurements. Despite these differences, recent reports confirm that Iligan continues to be affected by the haze, making it important for residents to remain cautious and updated on air-quality conditions and health advisories.


Written by Tresha De Villa
Proofread by Fame Orong
Layout by Martina Real