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Juban, Sorsogon, nestled on the southeastern coast of Luzon Island in the Philippines, occupies a geographically significant position within the Bicol Region. Its coordinates (12.8478, 123.9894) place it on a gently sloping coastal plain, transitioning to rolling hills inland. The city’s terrain is characterized by a mix of agricultural land, residential areas, and pockets of secondary forest. Juban faces the Pacific Ocean, directly influenced by prevailing winds and maritime conditions. The surrounding landscape is predominantly rural, featuring extensive rice paddies, coconut plantations, and small-scale farms, contributing to agricultural emissions. To the west, the gradual rise of the Sierra Madre mountain range influences local weather patterns and can trap pollutants under certain conditions. The urban–rural gradient is relatively smooth, with the city acting as a regional trading hub for the surrounding agricultural communities. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean introduces a constant source of moisture and influences temperature regulation, generally moderating extremes. While Juban isn't situated directly within a major industrial belt, its role as a port and trading center means some light industrial activity and vehicle traffic are present. The coastal location also makes it susceptible to saltwater intrusion, which can impact soil quality and potentially contribute to particulate matter through dust storms during dry periods. The elevation, generally below 50 meters, limits vertical mixing of air, potentially exacerbating localized pollution events.

Juban’s tropical climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season, profoundly impacting air quality. The wet season, typically from June to November, brings frequent rainfall and high humidity, generally leading to improved air quality as precipitation washes away particulate matter and dilutes gaseous pollutants. Monsoon winds from the Pacific Ocean dominate during this period, dispersing pollutants outwards. However, intense storms can temporarily worsen air quality due to wind-blown dust and debris. The dry season, from December to May, presents a different scenario. Reduced rainfall and lower humidity allow pollutants to accumulate. Temperature inversions, where cooler air is trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, are more common during the cooler months (January-February), preventing vertical mixing and concentrating pollutants near the ground. Fog, particularly in the early morning, can also trap pollutants, creating localized pockets of poor air quality. Agricultural burning, a common practice for land clearing and crop residue disposal, often peaks towards the end of the dry season, significantly contributing to particulate matter pollution. Outdoor activities are generally more favorable during the wet season, especially during and immediately after rainfall. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during periods of fog or temperature inversions, and avoid prolonged exposure to areas with visible smoke. The transition months (May and November) often experience variable conditions, requiring vigilance and awareness of local air quality conditions.