Previously I have blogged about the
current state of the Philippine air. It was stated there that there has been
improvement on the level of air pollution mainly because of efforts from the
government and the people. I guess I have done my part by doing simple things
like saving electricity whenever I could and by walking instead of riding a
tricycle if the distance permits.
The government has also established
the Philippine Clean Air Act (Republic Act No. 8749) in June 1000. It is a
program that manages the air quality of the Philippines. It aims to achieve and
maintain healthy air for all Filipinos. It took effect last November 25, 2000.
Some of the initiatives implemented by
the government are: the use of cleaner fuels (CME, ethanol, biofuel, LPG),
phase-out of two-stroke motorcycles and leaded gasoline, lowering of sulfur in
diesel, and improvement of pedestrian facilities and bikeways to encourage
walking and biking.
Along with that, the government has
also intensified drives for proper and efficient implementation of emission
tests, roadside antismoke belching, preventive maintenance technologies and
monitoring of private emission testing centers.
The Ecological Solid Waste Management
Act of 2000 (Republic Act No. 9003) was also established that prohibits open
burning of waste which is the chief source of harmful dioxin and furan in the
country. (Framelia V. Anonas, S&T Media Service).
You
may also view some of the effort done by the government through the Clean Air Portal.
The mission of the Clean Air
Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia) is to promote better air quality and
livable cities by translating knowledge to policies and actions that reduce air
pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from transport, energy and other
sectors. It was established in 2001 by ADB, the World Bank and USAID as part of
a global initiative that also includes Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Aside
from those mentioned, there is also monitoring done by the government to
measure pollution levels in certain parts of the country, as of 2006.
Also, the government has established
the Metro Manila Air Quality Improvement Sector
Development Program
ADB, as a major
development partner of the Philippines, has been working actively with the
government to address the air pollution issues in the country since 1998, with
emphasis on those associated with transport sector. ADB has been providing
assistance through lending and technical supports. The Metro Mania Air Quality
Improvement Sector Development Program, approved in December 1998, was the first
and the most comprehensive program provided by ADB to support the government’s
CAA.
The primary objective of
the program is to improve air quality in Metro Manila Airshed (Metro Manila,
Regions III, and IV, through the abatement of the main mobile and stationary
sources of air pollution using integrated medium- to longtermcontrol measures. The
program helps the government reduce air pollution through policy reform, capacity
building, and infrastructure investment for public and private sectors. Major
objectives and activities of the program include:
(i)
improvement of fuel quality;
(ii)
improvement of vehicle emission inspection and maintenance;
(iii)
implementation of an anti-smoke belching program;
(iv)
rehabilitating ambient air quality monitoring system;
(v)
strengthening regulatory enforcement; and
(vi)
raising public awareness.
MMAQISDP is coordinated by DENR. Participating institutions
include EMB, regional offices of DENR, Metro Manila Development Authority,
Laguna Lake Development Authority, DOTC, LTO, Department of Trade and Industry,
DOE, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Health
(DOH), LGUs, and nongovernment organizations (NGOs).
To read more on the matter, visit
this link.
Do
you think the steps taken by the government are enough? Well, I feel that it is
enough however it will only be effective if the people cooperate. We
should ALL walk the talk to be able to see results. This fight for the
elimination of air pollution is not just the government’s responsibility but
also ours, the citizens because all of us are affected in one way or another. Knowing
these, have you done your part as a citizen of the Philippines? If so, do share
some tips and the efforts you have done in helping eliminate air pollution J
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