CEBU CITY, 13 November 2026 — Health professionals, scientists, and civil society groups gathered at the University of the Philippines Cebu today to launch the Cebu Clean Air Network (Cebu CAN).
Cebu CAN is urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure that the Philippines meet the World Health Organization (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines. The network stressed that cleaner air builds healthier communities, and over time, brings savings from electricity and healthcare costs. Almost 900 megawatts (MW) capacity of coal-fired power plants in Toledo and Naga, and the intensive traffic emissions in urban locations across the Cebu Province, all contribute to air pollution, posing risks to public health. Cebu CAN calls for immediate action to address these pollution sources through localized plans and policies, while continuously reporting air quality data in real time.
The launch featured a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing between Clean Air Asia and UP Cebu for new air quality sensors, alongside a public mural unveiling by 350 Pilipinas and the Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP) – Cebu Chapter. Clean Air Asia, the UP Cebu Center for Environmental Informatics, 350 Pilipinas, and CAP – Cebu Chapter are members of Cebu CAN, as are the Health Alliance for Climate and Clean Air Philippines (HACCAP), Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), AktivAsia, Health Care Without Harm, Greenpeace Cebu, and Amnesty International.
The Clean Air Act was passed in 1999 and the country’s current annual guidelines for fine particle matter (PM2.5), set in 2020, remain five times higher than recommended by the WHO. For 24-hour averages, the Philippines’ national ambient air quality guideline is more than two times higher. The 2000 National Air Quality Control Action Plan is being revised, but more local governments are yet to have a local Clean Air Action Plan, including Cebu. Real-time reporting of air quality is limited, and there is a need for coordinated action to respond to air pollution episodes.
Cebu has felt that gap this year. In April 2026, the DENR Environmental Management Bureau Region VII (EMB-7) monitoring station in Talisay recorded “very unhealthy” air quality index (AQI), which was attributed to local vehicle and industrial emissions. By July, Mt. Kanlaon volcanic activity also adversely affected air quality in Metro Cebu. In September, haze from forest and peatland fires in Indonesia again resulted in elevated air pollution. With only two monitoring stations in Talisay and Toledo, there was a lack of localized and real-time information on air quality across the Cebu Province with a population of more than five million residents. With limited institutionalized response protocols in place, confusion and worry were widely felt.
The Cebu CAN launch comes days before the Philippines, as ASEAN chair, hosts the 49th ASEAN Summit in Manila on 16–18 November, where transboundary haze is on the agenda. The network urged ASEAN leaders to address transboundary haze. It also stressed that the Philippines must clean up its own air by ensuring there are clear implementation plans with targets to address pollution sources and more extensive real-time reporting of air quality.
“Clean air isn’t just about hospital visits. It’s about building healthier communities where our families can thrive,” said Ara Alejo, clean air campaigner at 350 Pilipinas. “Our national limits allow five times more PM2.5 than WHO recommends. Haze comes and goes and only exacerbates the air that is already being polluted by our own sources. As ASEAN chair, the Philippines should lead by example.”
“Fine particles are small enough to slip past the body’s defenses, travel deep into the lungs, and enter the bloodstream. In our patients, that means more asthma attacks, worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and a higher risk of heart attacks, strokes, and lung cancer. Children, the elderly, and people already living with heart or lung disease are hit hardest. Bringing our standards closer to WHO levels is one of the most effective things we can do to protect Cebuanos’ health,” said Cebuano pulmonologist Dr. Peter Blanco of HACCAP.
The network highlighted the direct link between fossil fuels and family expenses. With over 80% of the coal used in the country imported, global fuel price spikes hit electricity bills directly. Meanwhile, air pollution costs the country an estimated PHP 4.5 trillion a year in economic costs, according to a 2021 study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities.
“Fossil fuels tax Cebuanos twice: first on power bills when imported coal prices surge, and again on medical bills when pollution makes people sick,” said Estela Vasquez, PMCJ Visayas coordinator. “Sunlight and wind don’t get more expensive during global crises. Expanding local renewables, as well as active and public transport, protects households from fuel shocks while cutting healthcare spending.”
Moving forward, Cebu CAN will engage Cebu local governments on clean air action plans, as well as energy and transport plans, and push for expanded real-time air quality monitoring.
ABOUT
The Cebu Clean Air Network brings together health professionals, scientists, affected communities, and civil society groups to protect public health by pushing for cleaner air in Cebu.
More information and event photos by Jorranne Paraiso/350 Pilipinas: bit.ly/350PH-CebuCAN
CONTACT: Denise Fontanilla: [email protected], +63 917 851 4890