Air Pollution: Status, Research, and Development in Metro Manila, Philippines

In the process of development, urban areas are the first to be industrialized. Hence, it has very high economic, political, and social importance. Because of this, more people are enticed to congregate in these areas and become hopefuls of the promise of a better life and a step higher on the socio-economic hierarchical ladder. Consequent increase in transportation capabilities, Metro Manila, Philippines, has about a million of motor vehicles operating and spewing tons of carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) daily into the air, aside from the noise of engines and blowing of horns.

Air pollution alone, primarily causes respiratory diseases namely acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, alongside cardiovascular diseases.

Fine particulate emissions resulted to around 4,000 to 5,000 premature deaths experienced annually, due to exposure to poor air (Kalikasan, 2009 as cited by ERDB 2010). According to the Philippine Environment Monitor (2006) conducted by the World Bank, Poor air quality from outdoor air pollution in urban areas and indoor air pollution is also affecting health, accounting for an estimated five percent of all reported disease cases and four percent of all reported deaths in the country.

To improve air quality, several institutions have been implementing programs towards developing guidelines and criteria for successful Earthballing, Transporting, and Transplanting of Trees. Such programs create guidelines to save tree species that are affected by commercial expansions, roadways, construction, and other urban/industrial developments. Trees, shrubs, and other forms of vegetation are planted in highly urbanized areas to highly minimize and control air pollution, in nature's own way.

In addition to that, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippine Government have been continuously studying acid deposition?s adverse impacts on vegetation and soils in heavily polluted areas in Metro Manila identified the acid-sensitive plants in the urban ecosystems. It investigated the physiological and ecological effects of acid deposition on plant and soil environment. Through this, selection of appropriate species that will be found tolerant to such adverse environmental conditions can be planted, grown, and cultivated to highly polluted areas.  

In fact, the preliminary results of studies have revealed that the acidity in urban areas were already at the acid deposition levels (pH 5.5 and below), which is significantly different to unpolluted areas. Seventy percent (70%) of trees had nutrient deficiencies and diseases, due to acid rain (ERDB-DENR, 2010).

As of this very moment, continuous research and development studies toward the improvement of the Philippine air quality are still prevalent. Tedious work, alongside dedication and passion towards a product that is strongly backed up by science is highly essential, in order to attain an ecologically-sound and cost-effective technology that will be utilized by the community. 

References:

Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau. (2010). Rehabilitation and Ecological Restoration R&D for Marginal and Degraded Landcapes and Seascapes: A Research Compendium for Damaged Urban Areas. Ecosystems Research and Development Beaureu. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, College, Laguna, Philippines. 

Environmental Protection Agency. (2005). Review of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone: Policy Assesment of Policy and Technical Information. United States of America Environmental Protection Agency. Retreived last March 18, 2016, from https://www3.epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/standards/ozone/data/O3-SP-11-14-05b.pdf

Molina, M. J. (2010). Air Pollution: Health and Environmental Impacts. CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group 6000 Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300. Retreived last March 18, 2016, from ftp://178.213.241.33/Soft/Docs/books/B_Biology/BH_Human/Gurjar%20B.,%20Molina%20L.,%20Ojha%20C.S.%20(eds.)%20Air%20pollution..%20Health%20and%20environmental%20impacts%20(CRC,%202010)(ISBN%201439809623)(O)(544s)_BH_.pdf

Natural Resources Defense Council. (n.d.). Our Children at Risk. The Five Worst Environmental Threats to their Health. United States of America. Retreived last March 18, 2016, fromhttp://www.nrdc.org/health/kids/ocar/chap4.asp

World Bank. (2006). Philippine Environment Monitor. Country Offi ce Manila 23rd Floor, The Taipan Place F. Ortigas Jr. Ave. (formerly Emerald Ave.) Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Philippines. Retreived last March 18, 2016, from http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPHILIPPINES/Resources/PEM06-fullreport.pdf

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