After a few days of monsoon rains last week, Filipinos in some areas of Metro Manila and other nearby regions woke up Tuesday to haze where air quality reached ''very unhealthy to acutely unhealthy levels.

The Philippine government is monitoring the air quality situation after several areas in the country recorded "very unhealthy to acutely unhealthy levels" caused by the haze from the ongoing forest and land fires in Indonesia.

In a video message, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) deputy administrator for administration Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said aside from OCD, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) are closely monitoring the air quality in several areas affected by haze since Monday, especially the NCR, Calabarzon and Mimaropa.

Some colleges and universities in Metro Manila announced online classes and government agencies advised residents to wear face masks.

Based on a report of the Environmental Management Bureau in the National Capital Region, it said : "The elevated PM2.5 may be associated with smoke and haze from ongoing fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, transported by prevailing winds toward the Philippines."

PM2.5 is a type of air pollution made up of microscopic solid particles that measures 2.5 micrometers in width.

News reports in the late afternoon said air quality in some Metro Manila remains acute.

"The public is advised to limit prolonged outdoor activities, especially those sensitive to air pollution. DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) EMB-NCR continues to monitor the situation and will issue further advisories as necessary," it added.

The EMB said the following areas reported air quality indices of 201 to 300 which means these could cause breathing issues and other risks.

The highest was in Paranaque, in the Don Bosco area, with an air quality index of 285, followed by Quezon City 244, Las Pinas 243, Malabon and Manila 234

In his talk to the people via Facebook, Manila City Mayor Francisco Moreno Domagoso announced "that air quality monitoring machines operated by the City Government of Manila recorded alarming readings as of 6 am."

"Three stations at Puregold Tayuman, Anda Circle, and San Sebastian Residences logged "Very Unhealthy" Air Quality Index (AQI) levels, while two stations at Sta. Ana Hospital and Rajah Sulayman Park recorded "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" levels," he said.

"The DENR-EMB's real-time monitoring station at Mehan Garden, Manila City, recorded an AQI of 231, classified as "Acutely Unhealthy," placing Manila among the most severely affected cities in Metro Manila," he added.

Domagoso assured the public that the Manila Health Department (MHD) and the city's seven district hospitals are on full alert for a possible surge in patients affected by the poor air quality.

"Rest assured that the Manila Health Department and our hospitals are on alert. We are preparing for it, as there might be a surge or sudden increase in patients who may have been affected by this unhealthy air," he said. Robina Asido/PHS