Philippines sees drop in air pollution

The Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) cited a slight improvement in Metro Manila’s ambient air quality, but the level of pollution remains above the healthful standard set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Based on the latest DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) data, the number of total suspended particulates (TSP) in 2009 decreased to 131.03 micrograms per normal cubic meter (ug/Ncm) from 138.22 ug/Ncm in 2008.TSP, the standard measurement of pollution in an area, decreased slightly by about 5% in 2009 from the level of pollution in 2008. Arturo Bongco, senior environmental management specialist of the EMB’s Air Quality Division, explained that improved ambient air quality in 2009 can be attributed to fuel conversion of vehicles to alternative and clean fuels and the strict enforcement of anti-smoke belching program by local government units. However, it is impossible to reach the TSP guideline value of 90 ug/Ncm by the end of 2010 based on the General Plan of Action for Air Quality Management, he said. (July 7, 2010)