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Los Baños, Laguna, nestled within the caldera of the extinct Mount Makiling, occupies a unique and geographically sensitive position in the Philippines. Located approximately 63 kilometers south of Manila, it serves as a vital gateway between the bustling capital and the southern Luzon regions. The city’s terrain is characterized by rolling hills and valleys, sloping gently towards Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines. This proximity to the lake significantly influences local climate and air circulation patterns, often resulting in stagnant air conditions, particularly during periods of low wind speed. The surrounding landscape is a mosaic of agricultural lands – rice paddies, vegetable farms, and fruit orchards – interspersed with patches of secondary forest and the extensive University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) campus, a major green space. To the west lies the Calamba industrial area, a growing hub for manufacturing and processing, contributing to potential industrial emissions. The urban–rural gradient is relatively smooth, with agricultural activities seamlessly blending into the urban fabric. Mount Makiling itself exerts a considerable influence, creating localized microclimates and impacting rainfall distribution. The elevation varies considerably, ranging from approximately 75 meters near Laguna de Bay to over 1,000 meters on the slopes of the volcano, influencing temperature and atmospheric stability. This complex interplay of topography, proximity to water, agricultural activity, and industrial development creates a nuanced environment where air quality is inherently linked to the surrounding landscape.

Los Baños experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, profoundly impacting its air quality. The dry season, typically spanning November to May, often sees a build-up of pollutants due to reduced rainfall and decreased atmospheric mixing. During these months, particularly March and April, temperature inversions are more frequent, trapping emissions close to the ground, especially in the valleys surrounding Mount Makiling. Agricultural burning, a common practice for land clearing and crop residue disposal, contributes significantly to particulate matter pollution during this period. The wet season, from June to October, brings frequent rainfall and increased wind speeds, naturally cleansing the atmosphere and dispersing pollutants. However, heavy rainfall can also lead to increased soil erosion and dust resuspension, temporarily impacting air quality. Monsoon winds, particularly during July and August, can bring moisture and pollutants from neighboring regions. Fog, common during the cooler months (December-February), can exacerbate air stagnation and trap pollutants. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution periods, typically mid-morning and early afternoon. Maintaining indoor air quality through proper ventilation and air filtration is also recommended. The transition months (May and November) often experience variable conditions, requiring vigilance and awareness of local air quality reports. Overall, minimizing exposure during periods of agricultural burning and stagnant air is crucial for protecting respiratory health.