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The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the management of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to explain the traffic congestion that happened in the San Simon area.
In a Facebook post, the DOTr ordered NLEX, through the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), to submit a formal explanation within three days. NLEX was also instructed to present proposed measures to mitigate and prevent a similar incident in the future.
Furthermore, NLEX was ordered to issue timely traffic advisories and rerouting options to motorists through variable message signs (VMS) or other communication platforms three hours before the expected traffic closure or rainfall.
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The N95 mask is frequently recommended during environmental hazards that affect the air quality, such as haze, fire incidents, or volcanic ashfall.
What makes the N95 mask crucial compared to other face masks?
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, the N95 mask effectively protects the wearer from airborne particles, such as PM2.5.
To understand PM2.5, a professor from UP Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, Dr. Gerry Bagtasa, explains that these are the tiny particles present in the atmosphere, with a size of 2.5 micrometers. If a particle can be compared to a single strand of human hair, then divide it by 20; that is so very small. That very small particle is invisible to the naked eye and can be easily inhaled and absorbed to the blood.
The US FDA notes that the surgical mask is loose-fitting, compared in the N95 that has close fit feature that protects the nose and mouth; that’s why they call it “very efficient filtration of airborne particles”.
They also stated that while surgical masks can block large-particle droplets, they are not able to filter very small particles. They also cannot provide complete protection from germs and other contaminants because of their loose-fitting feature.
Nevertheless, for those who have no N95 mask, the Department of Health (DOH) advises using alternatives, such as a damp cloth or a double masking technique to cover the mouth and nose.
The DENR-EMB estimates that the haze over Metro Manila may persist until September 3, 2026. While the phenomenon remains, authorities urge the public to take precautionary measures as the exposure brings health risks, especially to children, the elderly, and those who have heart and respiratory diseases.
Symptoms that may be experienced due to haze exposure include coughing, throat irritation, breathing difficulty, chest pain, eye irritation, nasal itching, and aggravation of existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma.
The public is advised to stay indoors. If it’s necessary to go outside, wearing a facemask is strongly advised.
Haze is a familiar thing in the Philippines. Before the ongoing fires in Indonesia, which were cited as a potential cause of haze in Metro Manila, a thick smoke previously covered the region when the Navotas Sanitary Landfill caught on fire in April.
Whenever the haze occurs, air quality becomes a concern, and that is primarily monitored by the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). During that occurrence, the main threat lies in the air we breathe, which directly affects our respiratory health.
According to the Air Quality Management Section of DENR, there is an administrative order that establishes the breakpoints for the PM2.5 quality index.
These are the breakpoints to identify whether the air quality is safe or not, according to the DENR;
The breakpoints for PM2.5 quality index were reviewed through a collaborative effort of the following institutions, agencies, and organizations, such as:
Amid haze, it is important to stay tuned and rely only on the official updates from the authorities to keep you safe and healthy.
Haze will continue to affect Metro Manila from September 1 to 3, 2026, according to estimates from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
However, authorities noted that the haze could disperse quickly if rain continues across various parts of the country.
The air quality may also gradually improve between September 4 and 6 if widespread rainfall and wind direction changes.
“Ang ulan ay may natural na scrubbing mechanism at kung saan kaya niyang linisin ang mga fine particles po,” according to DENR-EMB Chief of the Environmental Quality Management Division Engr. Jundy del Socorro
[“The rain has a natural scrubbing mechanism where it can clear the fine particles.”]
Nevertheless, if forest fire activity in Indonesia remains high and prevailing winds continue to transport smoke toward the Philippines, the haze may persist.
Based on the latest data of the DENR EMB, air quality has reached “acute unhealthy” levels in Las Piñas, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Quezon City, San Juan, Taguig and Valenzuela. The air quality levels in Makati, Navotas, Pateros and other parts of Quezon City were classified as “very unhealthy”.
Authorities advised the public to take the phenomenon seriously as it brings hazardous effects on human health.
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Burnham Lake has officially reopened to the public amid the celebration of the 117th Baguio Charter Day.
Following nearly one year of rehabilitation, the lake features upgrades, including an improved drainage system designed to minimize the flow of mud and debris.
The reopening also brought immense relief and excitement to local concessionaires and long-time visitors who frequently visit the iconic attraction.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong previously stated the necessity of using better watercraft in the reopening of the tourist spot.
“Kumbaga, parang bumili ka ng bagong sapatos, syempre, kailangan mo rin ng bagong medyas, 'di ba? Di naman pwedeng punit-punit yung medyas. Gusto natin, mag-enjoy yung mga tao diyan. Kailangan maayos lahat at safe yung mga watercraft,” he said
To ensure safety, authorities are strictly enforcing a “no vest, no ride” policy, meaning all passengers are required to wear vests before boarding.
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