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Madalag, a municipality nestled in the province of Aklan, Philippines, occupies a largely rural landscape on the island of Panay. Its coordinates (11.5269, 122.3064) place it inland, approximately 15 kilometers from the coastline of the Sibuyan Sea. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, typical of the central Philippine archipelago, with an elevation ranging from sea level to around 300 meters. This inland position, while offering respite from direct sea breezes, also limits natural dispersion of pollutants. The surrounding area is predominantly agricultural, with rice paddies and coconut plantations dominating the land use. While Madalag itself isn’t heavily industrialized, the broader Aklan region experiences some industrial activity related to tourism and agriculture, potentially contributing to regional background pollution. The urban-rural gradient is pronounced; Madalag remains a relatively small, developing town, with air quality heavily influenced by local farming practices – including seasonal burning of agricultural waste – and domestic fuel use. The lack of extensive road networks and limited public transport contribute to localized emissions from motorcycles and tricycles, the primary modes of transport. Understanding this geographical context is crucial for interpreting air quality patterns in Madalag.

Madalag experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influencing its air quality. The dry season, typically from November to May, sees a peak in particulate matter pollution. This is largely due to increased agricultural burning to prepare fields for planting, coupled with drier conditions that reduce the natural settling of dust. February to April are often the months with the poorest air quality, and sensitive individuals – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during these periods. The onset of the wet season, around June, brings a significant improvement. Rainfall effectively washes away pollutants, and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, the wet season also brings the southwest monsoon, which can transport pollutants from other parts of Panay Island and potentially from nearby islands. September and October, while generally cleaner than the dry season, can experience localized flooding which stirs up mold and other biological pollutants. Temperature inversions, though less frequent than in larger urban centers, can occur during calmer periods, trapping pollutants near the ground. Overall, the wet season offers the most favourable conditions for outdoor activity, but awareness of monsoon-driven pollution is still important.