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Pulupandan is a coastal municipality nestled along the western shores of Negros Occidental, strategically positioned facing the Guimaras Strait. Its geography is defined by a low-lying, predominantly flat terrain that transitions seamlessly from a modest urban core to expansive agricultural hinterlands. The town’s character is deeply intertwined with its maritime orientation, serving as a vital link for regional trade and fishing and ecological sensitivity. This coastal proximity plays a pivotal role in its air quality dynamics, as the diurnal cycle of land and sea breezes facilitates the dispersion of localized pollutants, preventing the stagnation often seen in landlocked basins. Surrounding the town are vast tracts of sugarcane plantations, the dominant crop of the province of the Negros island, which create a distinct urban-rural gradient. While the town center experiences typical residential and light commercial emissions, the surrounding agricultural zones introduce seasonal particulate matter and organic compounds. The elevation remains minimal, meaning there are few topographical barriers to block airflow, though the high humidity characteristic of the tropical maritime climate can trap aerosols near the surface during periods of atmospheric stability. The proximity to the water helps moderate temperatures, but the interaction between the moist sea air and inland heat often creates a hazy boundary layer. Consequently, Pulupandan’s air quality is a reflection of its dual identity as a fishing port and a sugar-producing hub, where the refreshing saline winds of the strait constantly battle the intermittent smoke from agricultural activity and transport.

Pulupandan’s air quality follows a rhythmic tropical cycle divided primarily between the dry season and the wet season. From November to April, the Amihan, or northeast monsoon, brings cooler, drier air that generally aids in the dispersal of pollutants. However, this period coincides with the sugarcane harvest, where the traditional practice of field burning releases significant volumes of particulate matter and carbon monoxide into the atmosphere. These peaks in pollution often occur during the late dry months, when temperature inversions can trap smoke close to the ground, particularly during the early morning hours. Conversely, the wet season, spanning May to October, is dominated by the Habagat, or southwest monsoon. Frequent rainfall and intense storms act as natural scrubbers, washing aerosols and dust from the air, leading to the cleanest air quality of the year. For sensitive groups, including children and the elderly, the peak harvest months of February and March are the most challenging, requiring limited outdoor exposure during burning events. Conversely, the rainy season offers a respite, although high regional respiratory discomfort can occur for some. To maintain health, residents are encouraged to monitor local smoke visibility and stay indoors when agricultural haze is prevalent. The interplay of maritime winds and seasonal precipitation ensures that while pollution spikes are periodic and tied to the intensified agricultural calendar, the overall atmospheric health remains resilient due to the constant ventilation provided by the Guimaras Strait.