Health UPdates Webinar #300 All About the Haze: “Delikado Ba Ang Hangin Ngayon?”
The University of the Philippines,
in partnership with the UP Manila – National Institutes of Health,
and in cooperation with UP Philippine General Hospital and UP College of Medicine,
would like to invite you to attend this webinar!
Registration slots are limited to this HEALTH UPDATES webinar
So sign up NOW:
bit.ly/HealthUpdatesWebinar300
Webinar #300
September 18, 2026 (Friday), 12:00 noon
All About the Haze
Delikado Ba Ang Hangin Ngayon?
Presenter:
Dr. Lenora C. Fernandez
Professor, Division of Pulmonary Medicine
UP-PGH Department of Medicine
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Webinar #300
September 18, 2026 (Friday), 12:00 noon
All About the Haze
Delikado Ba Ang Hangin Ngayon?
In recent years, transboundary and seasonal haze episodes have transformed atmospheric pollution from an episodic environmental nuisance into a critical public health emergency. Therefore, understanding the physiological and epidemiological dimensions of deteriorated ambient air quality is essential.
In this week’s episode, we will break down the complex mechanics of airborne pollutants by focusing on fine particulate matter ( ) and ultrafine particles ( ). Participants will gain valuable insights into the pathophysiology of haze-induced respiratory pathologies by tracking how inhalation of carbonaceous aerosols, volatile organic compounds, and secondary inorganic ions triggers systemic inflammatory cascades, exacerbates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchial asthma, and heightens cardiovascular event risks. Beyond acute symptom presentation, we will discuss long-term pulmonary remodeling and immune dysregulation caused by sustained pollutant exposure.
We will also discuss updated diagnostic considerations, differential diagnostic frameworks during peak haze periods, and optimized pharmacological interventions. We will also gain a deeper appreciation of systemic biomarker shifts and therapeutic choices under environmental stress. From a practical perspective, we aim to gain clear guidance on personal protective equipment, indoor air filtration standards, and risk stratification based on real-time Air Quality Index readings. Our main speaker is Dr. Lenora C. Fernandez, a professor from the Division of Pulmonary Medicine from the UP-PGH Department of Medicine.
Join us for this critical discourse to elevate our clinical awareness, refine our patient counseling strategies, and protect our communities against the silent threats of atmospheric haze.