Manila: The Quezon City (QC) government called on residents to wear face masks following reports of "unhealthy" and "very unhealthy" air quality levels in parts of the city.

According to Philippines News Agency, in a Facebook post on Monday, the city government said that the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) readings showed that certain areas are experiencing harmful air pollution, which may pose health risks. The advisory warned those with respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, to stay indoors. However, if leaving the house is unavoidable, it urged residents to wear masks.

The city government assured it is closely monitoring the AQI and would provide regular updates to keep residents informed. For more information on the air quality, residents may contact the Quezon City Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department at (02) 8988-4242, local extensions 8348, 8349, 8359, or 8360. Those experiencing health concerns, such as difficulty in breathing or asthma symptoms, may contact the Quezon City Health Department at (02) 8929-8038. For immediate assistance, the QC Helpline 122 is also available.

In a related incident, the municipal government of Montalban, Rizal also issued a public advisory on an ongoing fire at a landfill in the town. The advisory noted that while the upper portion of the landfill is now under control, efforts are ongoing to clean up the lower portion. Evacuations were conducted for residents near the area, and face masks were distributed to those affected by the smoke.

The local government stated it has coordinated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for air quality testing. Residents are advised to stay away from the affected zones, while ambulances have been deployed for emergency assistance. Quezon City is about 20 kilometers away from the Montalban landfill.