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Dueñas, a municipality in the province of Iloilo, Philippines, occupies a relatively low-lying coastal plain on the island of Panay. Situated at approximately 11.07°N, 122.62°E, its geography is defined by its proximity to the Visayan Sea. The terrain is generally flat, gradually rising inland towards the central Panay mountain range, though Dueñas itself remains largely within a few meters above sea level. This coastal location significantly influences air quality, as sea breezes can both disperse and concentrate pollutants depending on prevailing wind patterns. The municipality is largely agricultural, with rice paddies dominating the landscape, alongside some small-scale fishing activities. While Dueñas isn’t a major industrial hub, regional industrial activity in Iloilo City, located to the west, can contribute to background pollution levels transported by winds. The urban-rural gradient is pronounced; the poblacion (town centre) exhibits higher population density and associated emissions from transport and small businesses, while surrounding barangays are predominantly rural. The surrounding landscape features mangrove forests along the coastline, providing some natural filtration, but also susceptible to degradation. The low elevation and coastal position make Dueñas vulnerable to saltwater intrusion and the impacts of climate change, potentially exacerbating air quality issues through increased dust and humidity.

Dueñas experiences a distinct wet and dry season, heavily influenced by the southwest monsoon (habagat) and the northeast trade winds (amihan). Air quality generally improves during the wet season (roughly June to November) as rainfall effectively washes particulate matter from the atmosphere. However, increased humidity can also promote the formation of mould and allergens, impacting respiratory health. The habagat brings frequent rainfall and strong winds, dispersing pollutants, but also potentially carrying agricultural dust from surrounding rice fields. The dry season (December to May) typically sees a decline in air quality. Reduced rainfall allows pollutants to accumulate, and the stronger sunlight can facilitate photochemical smog formation, particularly from vehicle emissions. February to April are often the driest months, and therefore the period of greatest concern for sensitive individuals. Temperature inversions, though less common than in higher latitude cities, can occur during calm mornings, trapping pollutants near the ground. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions – should limit strenuous outdoor activity during the dry season, especially during peak sunlight hours. Monitoring wind direction is crucial; winds from Iloilo City can bring higher pollution levels.