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Mayantoc, Tarlac, Philippines, occupies a strategically important position within the Central Luzon region, a vital agricultural heartland and increasingly significant industrial corridor. Situated at approximately 15.6203° N, 120.3775° E, the municipality lies on gently sloping terrain, part of the Zambales Mountain Range foothills, with elevations ranging from roughly 80 to 250 meters above sea level. This topography influences local air circulation patterns; cooler air tends to pool in lower-lying areas, potentially exacerbating pollution accumulation under certain meteorological conditions. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, characterized by extensive rice paddies and farms cultivating various crops, including corn and sugarcane. This agricultural activity, while economically crucial, contributes to particulate matter (PM) pollution through field burning practices, particularly during harvest seasons. To the east, the municipality gradually transitions into more rugged terrain, while westward, it blends into a broader rural-urban gradient leading towards the provincial capital of Tarlac City and eventually the greater Manila metropolitan area. While Mayantoc itself lacks major industrial zones, its proximity to industrial belts in Tarlac City and nearby provinces means it can be affected by transboundary pollution. The municipality is not directly adjacent to significant bodies of water, though smaller irrigation canals and streams crisscross the agricultural lands, influencing local humidity and potentially affecting the dispersion of pollutants. The urban character is primarily rural, with a small central market area and limited commercial development, meaning pollution sources are largely related to agricultural practices and vehicular traffic within the municipality.

Mayantoc’s tropical climate dictates a distinct wet and dry season, profoundly impacting air quality. The dry season, typically spanning November to May, often sees a gradual increase in particulate matter concentrations. This is largely attributable to agricultural burning, a common practice for clearing fields after harvest, releasing significant amounts of smoke and ash into the atmosphere. Reduced rainfall during this period means less atmospheric cleansing, allowing pollutants to linger. Temperature inversions, where cooler air is trapped beneath a layer of warmer air, are more frequent during the cooler months (December-February), further hindering vertical mixing and concentrating pollutants near ground level. The wet season, from June to October, brings frequent rainfall and increased humidity, generally leading to improved air quality as pollutants are washed out of the atmosphere. However, periods of heavy rainfall can also lead to flooding, which can stir up dust and contribute to short-term particulate matter spikes. Monsoon winds, particularly during the peak of the wet season, can disperse pollutants, but also carry them from neighboring areas. Fog, while less frequent, can occur during the cooler months, trapping pollutants and reducing visibility. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the dry season, particularly during agricultural burning periods. Outdoor activities are generally best enjoyed during the wet season, although vigilance is still advised during periods of heavy rain or flooding. Careful monitoring of local weather conditions and agricultural practices is essential for informed decision-making regarding outdoor exposure.