‘Good’ air quality recorded in parts of NCR – DENR

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 23) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has reported that some parts of Metro Manila and nearby areas have “good” air quality after some local government units suspended classes on Friday due to smog.

In its latest monitoring, DENR said areas with “good” air quality include Mandaluyong, San Juan, Caloocan, Makati, Parañaque, Pateros, Taguig, Quezon City (Ateneo), as well as Batangas and Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Visibility in Metro Manila also cleared up after a downpour on Saturday, like what Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. mentioned earlier that rain could help disperse the smog.

Meanwhile, DENR reported that Antipolo has “unhealthy” air quality and people in the area with respiratory diseases are advised to limit going outdoors or physical exertion.

The Department of Science and Technology earlier clarified that the smog seen in Metro Manila is not related to the volcanic activity of Taal.

The Department of Health in Calabarzon, on the other hand, is under “code white” alert,” which means medical experts are on standby, as 50 people fell ill from the Taal vog or volcanic particles in the air.