According to Philippine officials on November 18, due to concerns over the increasing air pollution levels in Manila and three other major cities, the country is intensifying measures to eliminate exhaust emissions in accordance with clean air legislation.
The skies of Manila are among the most polluted in the world, ranking just behind Mexico City, Shanghai, and New Delhi, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Lolibeth Medrano, an official at the Department of Environment, stated at an environmental issues workshop in the Philippines that air quality in Manila has improved since 2000, a year after the clean air law was enacted.
“About 70-80% of domestic air pollution is caused by exhaust emissions,” Medrano said. “Our air pollution levels are decreasing, but they still exceed standards.” The remaining 20-30% of emissions come from industrial activities and construction work.
The level of “suspended particulate matter” in Manila’s air is 152 micrograms per cubic meter, which is above the standard of 90 micrograms but has decreased from 171 micrograms last year.
Bert Suansing, a consultant for the Department of Transportation, mentioned that the Philippine government, with assistance from the United States, is urgently implementing measures to improve air quality in Manila and other cities such as Cebu, Davao, and Baguio.
Q.HƯƠNG (According to Reuters)
