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Tabuk City, nestled in the province of Kalinga in the Cordillera Administrative Region of the Philippines, occupies a unique geographic position. Situated at approximately 17.4069°N latitude and 121.4425°E longitude, the city lies within a mountainous interior valley, carved by the Chico River. The terrain is predominantly characterized by steep slopes and rolling hills, typical of the Cordillera Central mountain range. Elevation ranges significantly, influencing temperature and atmospheric circulation. This inland location, far removed from direct coastal influences, means Tabuk’s air quality is less affected by sea breezes and marine aerosols. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of rice terraces, agricultural lands – primarily focused on coffee, corn, and root crops – and patches of remaining montane forest. While not a heavily industrialized zone, increasing agricultural activity, particularly the use of fertilizers and pesticides, contributes to potential air quality concerns. The urban-rural gradient is relatively sharp; the city centre is densely populated, while the surrounding areas remain largely rural and agricultural. Dust from unpaved roads and construction, coupled with biomass burning for agricultural purposes, are key local emission sources. The valley’s topography can trap pollutants, exacerbating air quality issues during periods of calm weather.

Tabuk City experiences a pronounced wet and dry season, dictating the annual air quality narrative. The dry season, typically from November to May, sees a peak in particulate matter pollution. Agricultural practices like slash-and-burn farming to clear land for planting, combined with increased dust from drier conditions and road traffic, contribute to this. January to March are often the months with the poorest air quality. Temperature inversions, common in valleys during calm, clear nights, trap pollutants near ground level. The onset of the wet season in June brings a significant improvement. Rainfall effectively washes away particulate matter, and increased humidity suppresses dust. However, increased cloud cover can also lead to stagnant air conditions. August and September, the peak of the monsoon season, generally offer the cleanest air, though localised flooding can disrupt transportation and potentially release pollutants from damaged infrastructure. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor exposure during the dry season, particularly in January-March. During the wet season, while air quality is generally better, caution is advised during periods of heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Monitoring wind direction is crucial, as pollutants can be transported from nearby agricultural burning.