Since I sat in the Inter-Agency Committee on Environmental Education, I?ve been getting information for use in our campaigns from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).  Just last month, coinciding with the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, DENR sent us materials on Air Pollution.

The DENR tells us that the amount of Total Suspended Particles or TSP in Metro Manila, which is probably the most polluted in terms of dust, fumes and smoke is 118 µg/Ncm (higher than the 90 micrograms per normal cubic meter (µg/Ncm), which is the international standard). What makes for our high level of air pollution?  According to many studies, vehicle emissions contributes about 80% of the most pollutants to the Metro Manila air.  Why is this so?  For one, we have many old cars on the road, which are not properly maintained. Also, we have horrible traffic and as we know we not only waste gas from being in traffic but this also adds to air pollution.  Then there is the fact of many new car owners because it is easier to buy cars now with easy bank loans and less expensive cars. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) did a study that said traffic in the Philippines leads to P2.4 billion in losses daily, which should motivate the government to find a solution to this problem.

Air pollution leads to many other problems.  The most important is the health of the people because air pollution leads to respiratory and even cardiovascular diseases.  Many people in Metro Manila for example suffer from asthma attacks. I study in Metro Manila and I know the difference between clean air in our province when I go home on weekends and the air I breathe during weekdays. I hope the day doesn?t come that there will be a permanent haze over Metro Manila that will require us to wear masks.  Air pollution also contributes to the deterioration of buildings so there is more expenses for repainting, cleaning and repairs.

The Philippine government has RA 8749 (Clean Air Act of 1999) and among the mandates of DENR is to ?develop and implement a comprehensive air pollution management program, as well as involve the public in air quality planning and monitoring through public information and education?.  This is why DENR started the ?Perwisyong Usok ay Pigilan: Konting Abala, Laking Ginhawa?.  My not so perfect translation of this is ?Stop Air Pollution: Little Inconveniences for Cleaner Air?.  The campaign focuses on how with little ?inconveniences?, we can have cleaner air.  Little inconveniences could be things like (1) using clean fuel or biofuel, (2) proper maintenance of vehicles, (3) walking or biking to our destinations, (4) carpooling or riding public transportation, and (5) planning your trips and change of lifestyle. 

So the government is now launching campaigns to make the people understand the issues and what they can do to be a part of helping to minimize air pollution.  In short, all people should be aware of the information that is being disseminated.  There are many other things we can do like watching out for polluters, not just vehicles but also big factories in industries.  We can report them to the agencies concerned like the DENR.  We should also plant trees because they filter pollutants from the air.  Lastly, we should be committed to do our part, make informed choices and smarter decisions when it comes to how we can protect our environment.