Safety Notice Regarding Deteriorating Air Quality in Metro Cebu
Recent haze* caused by forest fires in the Kalimantan region of Indonesia has been drifting into the Metro Cebu area, leading to a decline in air quality.
※ PM2.5, the primary component of this haze, can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, causing coughing and shortness of breath, or exacerbating existing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
According to the Environmental Management Bureau of Central Visayas (EMB-7), the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Metro Cebu, which had spiked to "Very Unhealthy" and "Acutely Unhealthy" levels over the past few days, has slightly improved to 117 as of Wednesday, September 9, currently remaining in the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" category.
AQI Range
Category
Guidelines
0–50
Good
(Good)
Air quality is satisfactory.
Outdoor activities can be enjoyed as usual.
51–100
Fair
(Fair)
Air quality is generally acceptable.
Normal activities are fine; stay alert for official announcements.
101–150
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
(Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups)
Limit prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.
Sensitive individuals (children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with heart/lung conditions) should take precautions.
151–200
Very Unhealthy
(Very Unhealthy)
Increased health risk.
Sensitive groups should avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.
201–300
Acutely Unhealthy
(Acutely Unhealthy)
Avoid all heavy outdoor exertion.
Sensitive groups must stay indoors.
301–500
Emergency
(Emergency)
Hazardous level.
Seek indoor shelter and keep windows closed.
In light of this, we advise all Korean nationals residing in the Cebu area to regularly check air quality updates from the Philippine Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-7, official Facebook page link) and follow the safety guidelines below to protect your health.
<Safety Guidelines>
1. Please refrain from unnecessary outdoor activities during periods of poor air quality.
2. If you must go outside, please wear an N95, KN95, or equivalent protective mask.
3. Children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions should minimize outdoor activities as much as possible.
4. Before ventilating your home, check the outdoor air quality first, and use an air purifier if necessary.
5. If you experience persistent or worsening symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort, please visit a nearby medical facility without delay.
<Emergency Contacts>
- Consular Call Center (24/7): +82-2-3210-0404
- Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines: +63-917-817-5703
- Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Cebu (during business hours): +63-32-231-1516~9. End.
Source: Overseas Safety Information, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines · Posted on 2026-09-09 · Korea Open Government License Type 1 (Attribution)
https://ph.mofa.go.kr/ph-ko/brd/m_27094/view.do?seq=1346441
