Personnel from the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) turned over an initial supply of N95 face masks to the local government of Toledo City on Thursday, July 9, 2026, following the eruption of Kanlaon Volcano that resulted in ashfall.
Panic buying empties pharmacy stocks
Due to the shortage of N95 mask supply, pharmacies in Cebu City have requested additional deliveries after demand surged significantly. This was triggered by the ashfall from the Kanlaon Volcano eruption on the morning of Thursday, July 9, 2026.
The sudden influx of customers led to panic buying, depleting N95 mask stocks in several pharmacies. According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) 7, a health advisory was issued following the eruption.
Health advisory and public warnings
DENR-EMB 7 warned that volcanic haze or ashfall could affect air quality in parts of Cebu. The agency urged the public to wear proper N95 or KN95 masks, limit outdoor activities, and stay updated through official announcements from DOST-PHIVOLCS, PAGASA, and local governments. It also cautioned against spreading unconfirmed information.
Pharmacies in downtown Cebu were crowded with customers buying any available protective masks. Aside from N95 masks, residents purchased surgical masks, KN95 masks, KN94 masks, and FFP3 respirators.
Pharmacist observations
Jeancy Coniendoaa, a pharmacy staff member on P. Del Rosario Street, said they did not expect the sudden spike in demand. A native of Negros Occidental near Kanlaon Volcano, Coniendoaa noted that ashfall is common there but rare in Cebu, causing residents to worry and protect themselves by buying protective equipment. He added that while ashfall rarely poses an immediate threat to life, prolonged exposure can have serious respiratory health effects.
Meanwhile, Laila Bague, a pharmacy assistant at a health, wellness, and cosmetics store in downtown Cebu, said customers sought N95 masks after news of the ashfall spread.
