Enhancing public awareness about the need for clean air

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) conducted recently a "Baseline Survey on the Public’s Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Metro Manila’s Air Quality". The survey was aimed at gathering relevant information upon which to prepare action plans to generate public awareness on air pollution problem and promote effective air quality management.

The survey report disclosed, among others that majority of the general public, public utility drivers and operators found that air pollution was alarming. They attributed such situation primarily on the big volume of smoke-belching vehicles. Emissions from factories and industrial plants, garbage, burning of solid wastes, and cigarette smoke were also identified.

The survey further showed that majority of the respondents were not aware of the Clean Air Act, as well as any institutions involved in minimizing or curbing air pollution. The encouraging findings that emerged, however, were the respondents’ awareness of the repercussions of air pollution to people’ health and their appreciation on the need to undertake activities that will address the pollution problem. On the overall, the report recommended the broadening and intensification of public awareness campaign on clean air, through messages that would compel the public to act favorably.

In response to the survey report and in pursuance to its mandate, the DENR-EMB’s Metro Manila Air Quality Improvement Sector Development Program (MMAQISDP) has started a new plan of action toward renewed and more vigorous information, education and communication campaign that would drum-up public support for clean air.

One of the initial activities of the MMAQISDP, is the conduct of a Message Development Workshop on Clean Air which was held on May 7, 2002 in the Visitors’ Center, DENR-PAWB, Quezon City. Considering that this is a multi-sectoral Program of the DENR and other government agencies, NGOs, and Private Sector, the workshop was attended by representatives from the DPWH, PIA, NEDA, LTO, and Confederation of Land Transportation Organization.

Similar workshop will follow on May 20-21, 2002 with participants coming from the DENR Regional Public Affairs Offices. The messages to be developed will enhance/augment the existing messages being disseminated through television, radio, newspaper, flyers/brochures, stickers, websites, and environmental programs/activities.