DENR moves to improve quality of air in Metro

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has declared a wide area covering the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan and Pampanga in Region 3, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and part of Quezon in Region 4-A and the 17 cities and municipalities in the National Capital Region as Metro Manila airshed.

The declaration is contained in DENR Administrative Order 2002-05 signed by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Heherson Alvarez last Jan. 23. It aims to improve the quality of air in Metro Manila by promoting policy reforms in the abatement of mobile and stationary sources of air pollution.

An airshed is defined as an area characterized by a common climate, weather, meteorology and topology which affect the interchange and diffusion of pollutants in the atmosphere. It may also cover areas which share a common interest or undertake similar development programs, prospects or face the same problems.

The designation of airsheds forms part of the air quality control action plan of the Metro Manila Air Quality Improvement Sector Development Program in coordination with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).

The implementors of the program have drawn up an action plan which includes the following components: motor vehicle inspection system, industrial air emissions pollution abatement program, production of clean fuels, introduction of anti-pollution devices, traffic management and road rehabilitation program ambient air quality monitoring, raising public awareness, capacity building and institutional development.

MMAQ/SDP is funded through a combination of loans and grants from the Asian Development Bank, Japan Bank for Interntional Cooperation, Swedish International Development Assistance and US Trade and Development Agency.