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Cagayan de Oro, nestled in Northern Mindanao, Philippines, occupies a strategic position along the northern coast of Mindanao Island, where the Cagayan River meets Macajalar Bay. This coastal city, situated at approximately 8.4542°N, 124.6319°E, lies within a tropical monsoon climate zone, characterized by its urban-rural gradient that transitions from bustling port areas to agricultural hinterlands. The terrain is predominantly flat near the coast, with elevations gradually rising inland towards the Bukidnon Plateau, creating a natural amphitheater that can trap pollutants. Proximity to Macajalar Bay influences local breezes, but the city's location in a valley-like setting between coastal plains and inland hills often restricts air circulation, exacerbating pollution accumulation. As a major regional hub, Cagayan de Oro hosts industrial zones concentrated along its port and riverbanks, including pineapple processing plants that emit organic compounds, while vehicle exhaust and construction dust permeate its urban core. The surrounding landscape features agricultural zones producing pineapples and other crops, whose processing contributes to seasonal emissions. This geographic context, combined with its role as a transportation and economic center in Mindanao, directly impacts air quality by concentrating anthropogenic sources in a topographically constrained area, where pollutants from port activities, industry, and urban traffic mingle with natural dust, influenced by the interplay of sea breezes and terrain-induced stagnation.

In Cagayan de Oro's tropical monsoon climate, air quality follows distinct seasonal patterns driven by meteorological factors, with pollution peaking from January to March during the dry season. These months experience reduced rainfall and weaker winds, leading to temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the surface, compounded by road dust and industrial emissions from pineapple processing. Sensitive groups, such as those with respiratory conditions, should limit outdoor activities during this period, especially in urban and industrial areas. From April to June, the transition to the wet season brings occasional showers that temporarily cleanse the air, though humidity can enhance particulate matter dispersion; outdoor activities are generally more favorable, but monitoring for sudden pollution spikes is advised. July to October marks the peak of the southwest monsoon, with frequent rains and stronger winds that disperse pollutants, resulting in the cleanest air of the year—ideal for outdoor pursuits, though typhoons and flooding pose other hazards. November to December sees a return to drier conditions, with increasing pollution as winds slacken; health guidance recommends using air quality forecasts to plan activities, as early dry season buildup begins. Throughout the year, fog can occur in cooler months, sometimes mixing with pollutants to reduce visibility and air quality, emphasizing the need for adaptive strategies based on seasonal weather shifts.