The Manila Times
THE air quality in the city of Manila has returned to “very unhealthy” levels after being “fair” for several days as the fire in the sanitary landfill in Navotas City continues to burn after nearly three weeks. On a Facebook post Monday, the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (MCDRRMD) reported that at 12 a.m., its air quality sensors at four locations recorded “very unhealthy” readings, particularly those near the Puregold Tayuman area. The department said prevailing winds may be carrying smoke from the abandoned landfill fire toward the city, and warned residents — particularly the vulnerable sectors such as children, senior citizens, and those with asthma — to avoid going outdoors unless necessary. In an interview with The Manila Times, Dr. Lester Tan, Department of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMCHD) regional director, urged the public to continue wearing masks as protection from the polluted air. Tan said a wet cloth can also be used as an alternative to a surgical mask. He advised people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to limit their outdoor activities because the poor air quality can worsen their condition. Manila’s Department of Environment and Public Services later reported that air quality levels had improved to “good.” Residents of Pasay City were also advised to wear face masks outdoors to protect themselves as the air quality in the city worsened. Pasay Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano said Monday the smoke from the landfill may carry harmful chemicals and particulate matter that could affect public health. Exposure to the toxic smoke could trigger breathing difficulty, eye irritation, coughing, throat irritation, headache and dizziness. Residents were told to stay indoors as much as possible, keep doors and windows closed, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. The city government also urged residents to drink plenty of water and seek medical attention if they experience severe breathing difficulties. On Tuesday, Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon will return to the landfill to assess operations to extinguish methane pockets that continue to emit hazardous fumes. Dizon said on Monday he will be accompanied by Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco. They will evaluate if the heavy equipment deployed last week, such as excavators, has been effective in smothering the fire and containing gas emissions. Initial efforts focused on creating access routes and applying soil cover to cut off oxygen feeding the underground flames. The DPWH is also coordinating with international disaster response specialists, including members of the Japan Disaster Relief team, who have been tapped for their technical expertise in handling similar incidents. Government responders, including personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection, local disaster risk reduction offices, and environmental agencies, remain on-site to sustain round-the-clock operations. Dizon said that efforts were focused not only on extinguishing the fire but also on minimizing further environmental damage and safeguarding public health amid air quality concerns. He said access to the landfill remains a logistical problem since it requires a 15- to 20-minute boat ride from the BFP Incident Command Post to the site; Tuesday’s inspection “is expected to provide clearer direction on the next phase of response efforts," Dizon said. What changed the pace of operations was the completion of a new access road linking the mainland directly to the landfill, with Dizon describing the access road as “a game changer." He admitted that the situation remains critical, with toxic smoke continuing to billow from the landfill and drift across Metro Manila and nearby provinces, including Bulacan and Bataan. Dizon said the prolonged fire, fueled by layers of compacted waste, has created deep underground hotspots that are difficult to reach and extinguish.
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