The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 7 has confirmed that the ash that reached Cebu is the volcanic ash the Kanlaon Volcano in Negros Island emitted when it erupted morning on July 9, 2026.
The bureau also warned of the possibility that the air quality index in Cebu might worsen because of the ash from Kanlaon.
On July 9, the air quality in Cebu was “fair,” according to Engr. Arthur Galupi, senior environmental management specialist of EMB-7.
However, the wind trajectory from Negros Island, particularly from the area where the volcano stands, is toward Central Cebu.
“This is the Kanlaon so ang trajectory gyud sa hangin gikan sa Negros Oriental nga part, specifically sa Kanlaon, is padung gyud diri sa Central Cebu,” he said.
PAGASA shares the same observation based on its monitoring of air parcel trajectory.
PAGASA said it wind has a 45 to 50-kilometer per hour gustiness that enabled the ash to reach Cebu in about three hours since the eruption of Kanlaon at 7:36 a.m.
Based on records of the PAGASA station in Mactan Island, visibility in Cebu went down to four kilometers from 10 kilometers.
This four-kilometer measure meant Cebu was experiencing moderate haze, which PAGSA started to observe at 10:30 a.m.
EMB-7 advised the following:
- Wear masks (N95 is highly recommended) if you need to go outside.
- Close windows and doors to keep the ash from entering your homes.
- Protect your eyes and stay hydrated.
- Monitor vulnerable family members, especially those with asthma or respiratory conditions.
CANCELLATIONS
The ash fall prompted at least 22 local government units to cancel classes on July 9. See list here: https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/114732/cebu-lgus-cancel-classes-on-july-9-2026-due-to-ash-from-kanlaon/story/
At least 14 flights to and from the Mactan Cebu International Airport also had to be cancelled on July 9.
(With reports from Lou-Anne Mae Rondina, GMA Regional TV Balitang Bisdak)
