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Baybay City, nestled on the eastern coast of Leyte Island in the Philippines (10.6800° N, 124.8000° E), presents a compelling case study in coastal urban geography. Situated within the Eastern Visayas region, Baybay’s location is defined by its proximity to the Philippine Sea and the rolling hills of the Leyte interior. The city’s terrain is predominantly undulating, transitioning from a narrow coastal plain to steeper slopes as it rises towards the central highlands. This topography significantly influences local air circulation patterns. The surrounding landscape is a mix of agricultural land – primarily rice paddies and coconut plantations – and secondary forests, contributing to both potential sources and sinks for air pollutants. The urban–rural gradient is relatively sharp, with the city center exhibiting denser development and increasing vehicular traffic, while the outskirts retain a more rural character. Baybay’s coastal position exposes it to maritime influences, including sea breezes that can disperse pollutants, but also to salt spray and potential impacts from shipping activity. While not directly adjacent to major industrial belts, the city’s role as a regional trading hub and its growing population contribute to localized pollution sources. The elevation, averaging around 20-30 meters above sea level, coupled with the prevailing wind patterns, dictates how pollutants are transported and diluted within the city and its immediate surroundings. The Carigara Bay, bordering Baybay, plays a role in moderating temperatures and influencing humidity, which in turn affects the behaviour of airborne particles.

Baybay City’s tropical climate dictates a wet and dry season pattern, profoundly impacting its air quality. The dry season, typically spanning from March to May, often sees a slight increase in particulate matter due to agricultural burning practices in surrounding rural areas preparing fields for planting. While sea breezes are generally present, periods of calm winds can lead to localized stagnation, trapping pollutants closer to ground level. The wet season, from June to November, brings frequent rainfall and increased humidity, which naturally helps to cleanse the air by washing away particulate matter and absorbing gaseous pollutants. However, intense storms can also stir up dust and debris, temporarily degrading air quality. The months of July and August, coinciding with the peak of the monsoon season, are often characterized by periods of heavy rainfall interspersed with calmer, more humid days, creating conditions where pollutants can accumulate during lulls in the wind. Fog, though not a frequent occurrence, can occasionally form during cooler, wetter periods, further trapping pollutants near the surface. Sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of agricultural burning. Outdoor activities are generally more favourable during the wet season, although vigilance is still advised during and immediately after heavy rainfall events. The interplay of these meteorological factors creates a dynamic air quality profile throughout the year, requiring ongoing monitoring and adaptive strategies to protect public health.