DENR, mayors target smoke-free EDSA

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Elisea Gozon and five mayors have given themselves three months to reduce the level of pollution along EDSA by 20 percent.

Gozun yesterday said they are targeting to reduce the level of total suspended particulates (TSPs) by 46 microgram per normal cubic meter this December. Although the TSP level in the metropolis has not yet reached the maximum tolerable level of 230 ug/ncm, she said they are bent on further improving the air along EDSA.

TSPs are made up of small solid and liquid particles suspended in the air, which includes dust, smoke, metallic and mineral particles, soot, mist and acid fumes. The DENR is in charge of monitoring the TSP level.

"We want to clean our air because at the end of the day we will not only be ensuring our health but that of our children as well. By poisoning our air, we are poisoning ourselves. TSPs, even in small doses, affect breathing, cause eye irritations and serious lung problems," Gozun said.

Apart from the DENR, other agencies are also pitching in efforts to reduce air pollution. Energy Secretary Vince Perez said they have reduced the level of sulfur content in diesel products. While the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said they recently acquired water tankers with pressurized washers that they can use to hose down the accumulated carbon attached to infrastructures along EDSA.

The five local governments covering the stretch of EDSA, namely Quezon City, Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Makati and Pasay have given their pledge of support to the program.

Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay, speaking on behalf of the mayors, commended Gozun for pushing the project. He also reiterated his request for the national government to designate the local government units to conduct smoke emission testings.

"This is a good scheme. In the case of Makati City, we have spent millions and have the equipment to conduct smoke emission tests. We applied last year, but we were not accredited. People need not go to private testing centers because we can offer lower rates," Binay said.

However, Gozun said this is not possible because local governments are already the ones in charge of apprehending violators. "So they cannot conduct the testing to avoid irregularities. We are trying to minimize corruption."

The DENR chief said they have already formed seven anti-smoke belching stations and would assign personnel to apprehend violators from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week. But they intend to further intensify their monitoring by assigning monitoring teams at night.

They will also sign a memorandum of agreement with the non-government organizations in their effort to stop corruption among the enforcers. – Pamela Samia