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Santa Teresita, nestled within the province of Cagayan in the Philippines, occupies a geographically significant position in the country’s northeastern region. Located at coordinates 18.2519, 121.9100, the municipality benefits from proximity to the Pacific Ocean, influencing its climate and potentially affecting air quality through salt spray and marine aerosols. The terrain is characterized by a mix of coastal plains and gently rolling hills, typical of the Cagayan Valley. While not heavily industrialized, the surrounding region supports substantial agricultural activity, primarily rice farming, which can contribute to particulate matter pollution from field preparation and crop residue burning. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp; Santa Teresita itself is a developing municipality with a population of 19,573, transitioning quickly to rural landscapes dominated by agricultural lands. The nearby Babuyan Channel and the Pacific Ocean play a crucial role in wind patterns, often providing some natural ventilation, but also potentially trapping pollutants during periods of calm. The elevation is low-lying, increasing vulnerability to sea-level rise and potentially impacting air quality through increased humidity and the formation of fog. The lack of significant industrial belts within the immediate vicinity suggests that local emissions are primarily from transportation, residential sources, and agricultural practices.

Santa Teresita experiences a pronounced wet and dry season, dictating the patterns of air quality throughout the year. The dry season, typically from March to May, often sees a peak in particulate matter pollution. This is due to increased agricultural burning for land preparation, drier conditions leading to dust resuspension, and potentially more stable atmospheric conditions that trap pollutants. Winds during this period are generally weaker, reducing dispersion. The onset of the wet season, around June, brings relief as rainfall washes away pollutants and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, the southwest monsoon, prevalent from July to October, can also transport pollutants from other regions of Luzon, impacting local air quality. November to February represents a transitional period, with generally improved air quality due to consistent rainfall and moderate winds. Temperature inversions, though less frequent than in larger urban centers, can occur during calmer periods, trapping pollutants near the ground. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should exercise caution during the dry season and monitor their health. Outdoor activity is generally most favourable during the wetter months, particularly September and October, after the peak of the monsoon but before the onset of the dry season.