03/09/2026
PUBLIC ADVISORY
from Mayor Nestor Archival
SUBJECT: Temporary Suspension of Face-to-Face Classes and Implementation of Flexible Work Arrangements Due to Hazardous Air Quality starting 2pm today until tmrw sept 3,2026-
An Air Quality Index (AQI) of 0โ50 is considered โGood,โ posing little to no health risk. However, as of 11:00 AM today, Metro Cebuโs AQI reached 208, classified as โVery Unhealthy,โ due to transboundary haze.
Considering that the Habagat (Southwest Monsoon) is currently prevailing and its airflow may continue to carry and sustain the transboundary haze over Metro Cebu, a significant improvement in air quality is not expected in the immediate period.
To protect our students, workers, teachers, and the entire Cebu City community from prolonged exposure to hazardous air pollution, the following city-wide measures are hereby issued:
1. CLASS SUSPENSION โ PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Two-Day Suspension:
Face-to-face classes at all levels in both public and private schools in Cebu City are temporarily suspended for 2 days.
Alternative Learning Modes:
Education shall continue through Modular Distance Learning (MDL), asynchronous classes, and other appropriate flexible learning modalities, pursuant to applicable DepEd policies, including DepEd Order No. 014, s. 2026.
2. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR PRIVATE COMPANIES, BUSINESSES, INSTITUTIONS AND OFFICES
The Cebu City Government strongly requests all private companies, commercial establishments, institutions, and offices to take appropriate precautionary measures to protect their employees from prolonged exposure to hazardous air quality.
Where operationally feasible, employers are encouraged to adopt:
Work-from-Home and Remote Operations:
Implement telecommuting or work-from-home arrangements for non-essential and office-based personnel during the three-day high-AQI period.
Protection of Outdoor and Field Workers:
For establishments whose operations require physical reporting or outdoor work, such as construction, logistics, outdoor maintenance, and delivery services:
โข Respiratory PPE: Provide well-fitted N95 or KN95 particulate masks to employees exposed to outdoor air.
โข Shift Rotations: Reduce continuous outdoor exposure by providing regular breaks in clean or air-filtered indoor areas.
โข Protection of High-Risk Employees: Employees who are pregnant, senior citizens, or have respiratory or cardiovascular conditions should, whenever practicable, be excused from prolonged outdoor duties.
โข Indoor Air Filtration: Ensure that HVAC and air-filtration systems are functioning properly. Keep doors and windows closed where appropriate to minimize the entry of outdoor haze.
The City Government recognizes that businesses and establishments have different operational requirements. However, the health and safety of employees should remain a primary consideration while hazardous air conditions persist.
3. SAFETY PROTOCOLS AND CITY GOVERNMENT MONITORING
As Mayor, my priority is to balance public health protection with the continuity of essential government, business, and educational services.
The Cebu City Government, in coordination with DepEd, DENR-EMB 7, and local health authorities, will continuously monitor the AQI and PM2.5 levels, as well as prevailing weather and wind conditions, to determine whether further measures or adjustments are necessary.
GENERAL HEALTH REMINDER
Everyone is advised to:
โข Stay indoors as much as possible while AQI remains hazardous.
โข Keep windows and doors closed when outdoor air quality is poor.
โข Wear a high-filtration mask such as an N95 or KN95 if outdoor travel is unavoidable.
โข Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
โข Persons who are particularly vulnerable to air pollution should exercise extra caution and limit exposure.
The Cebu City Government will continue to monitor the situation and issue further advisories as conditions develop.
Please remain vigilant, take the necessary precautions, and protect one another.
Stay safe, Cebu City!
