By Tracy Cabrera
DILIMAN, Quezon City — Following a report from the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) on the spread of toxic smoke from the Navotas landfill fire, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has advised the public to wear face masks amid the unhealthy air conditions over Metro Manila.
In a cautionary announcement, the agency said PhilSA’s map showed smoke containing nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) from the ongoing landfill fire had reached as far as Bataan, posing potential health risks in several Metro Manila cities.
DENR officials raised concern that residents may be inhaling polluted air due to the continuing blaze at the sanitary landfill, which started on April 10.
Based on the department’s monitoring on Saturday, air quality in Caloocan, Malabon, and parts of Quezon City (Ateneo area and Commonwealth Avenue) was classified as “very unhealthy.” San Juan City and Navotas were listed as “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” while Marikina and Valenzuela were deemed “acutely unhealthy.”
The DENR advised that in areas classified as very unhealthy, pedestrians should avoid heavy traffic zones, while individuals with heart and respiratory conditions are urged to stay indoors, postpone non-essential trips, and limit vehicle use.
Residents are also advised to reduce outdoor activities in areas marked as acutely unhealthy, while those with respiratory illnesses should limit outdoor exertion in areas classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups.
On Saturday, April 18, the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reiterated its call for residents to wear face masks due to poor air conditions.
“If going out cannot be avoided—especially for senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with respiratory diseases such as asthma—do not forget to wear a face mask,” the council said.
The Department of Health (DOH) also advised residents in affected areas to stay hydrated.
“I told them to drink plenty of water so that they will always be hydrated. If they are dehydrated, the harmful chemicals will remain in their bloodstream because these are toxic,” Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa said.
Herbosa added that affected residents will undergo blood sampling at a toxicology center for testing, noting that “if the blood level is high, it is bad for their health.”
In Navotas City, a long road dike is currently being constructed to connect to the sanitary landfill to speed up firefighting efforts. Mayor John Rey Tiangco said the dike is expected to be completed either Sunday or Monday afternoon.
Tiangco said he and his team inspected dredging operations and ongoing soil cover efforts aimed at fully extinguishing the fire.
“The dumping of mud from the sea is being carried out to cover the burning sections of the landfill. The excavated mud is placed on top of the garbage to help put out the fire and reduce the thick smoke,” he said.
“We understand the concern of our fellow citizens, and we are taking all necessary steps to resolve this as quickly as possible. You can expect continuous updates from us,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and DENR clarified that the fire was triggered by spontaneous combustion fueled by methane gas buildup and extreme heat. Misting operations continue to cool affected areas and suppress smoke and hotspots at the landfill.
ia/xf
