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NATIONAL AIR QUALITY STATUS REPORT

2010-2011

Environmental Management Bureau


Department of Environment and Natural Resources
2012

Inner cover

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NATIONAL AIR QUALITY STATUS REPORT


2010-2011

Environmental Management Bureau


Department of Environment and Natural Resources
2012

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2012 Department of Environment and Natural Resources. All rights reserved.


Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2012. National Air Quality Status
Report: 2010-2011. DENR. Quezon City, Philippines.

This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part in any form for educational or nonprofit purposes without special permission from the copyright holder, provided
acknowledgment of the source is made. No use of this publication may be made for resale or
for any other commercial purpose whatsoever, without prior permission in writing from the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Contact
Air Quality Management Section (AQMS)Environmental Quality Division (EQD)
Environmental Management Bureau
DENR Compound, Visayas Avenue,
1101 Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Telfax: +63-2-928-4430
http://emb.gov.ph/air/air1.htm

Environmental Education and


Information Division (EEID)
Environmental Management Bureau
DENR Compound, Visayas Avenue,
1101 Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
Telfax: +63-2-928-4674
http://emb.gov.ph/eeid/index.htm

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Table of Contents
1.

2.

Introduction ........................................................................................................................17
1.1.

About the National Air Quality Status Report ................................................................... 17

1.2.

National and Socio-Economic Conditions of the Philippines........................................... 17

Sources of Air Pollution ......................................................................................................24


2.1.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Sources and their Emissions ............................................................................................. 24

Status of Air Quality ...........................................................................................................37


3.1.

Air Quality Monitoring ......................................................................................................... 37

3.2.

Air Quality Trends ............................................................................................................... 40

Impacts of Air Pollution ......................................................................................................44


4.1.

Impacts on Health ............................................................................................................... 44

4.2.

Impacts on Agriculture ........................................................................................................ 45

4.3.

Other Impacts ...................................................................................................................... 46

Achievements and Challenges in Air Quality Management ................................................49


5.1.

Ambient Air Quality Management ...................................................................................... 49

5.2.

Management of Stationary Sources .................................................................................. 55

5.3.

Management of Mobile Sources ........................................................................................ 56

5.4.

Management of Area Sources ........................................................................................... 58

5.5.

Environmental Education and Awareness Initiatives ....................................................... 59

5.6.

Other Stakeholder Initiatives .............................................................................................. 65

5.7.

International Involvement ................................................................................................... 62

Recommendations .............................................................................................................67
6.1.

Policy.................................................................................................................................... 67

6.2.

Research and Development............................................................................................... 67

6.3.

Capacity Building and Institutional Framework ................................................................ 67

6.4.

Finance ................................................................................................................................ 68

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List of Figures
Figure 1. Population and Urbanization of the Philippines (2000-2010) ......................................18
Figure 2. Number of Philippine Cities by Population Size (2010) ...............................................19
Figure 3. Economy of the Philippines: GDP (Current US$) with GDP Growth Rate ...................20
Figure 4. Trend of Energy and Self Sufficiency Philippines (2000-2010) ...................................21
Figure 5. Primary Energy Mix (2010) .........................................................................................21
Figure 6. Philippines Share of Renewable Energy and Non-Renewable Energy Compared
with other Countries ..................................................................................................................22
Figure 7. Oil Consumption in kTOE (2010)................................................................................22
Figure 8. Power Generation Mix (2000-2010)............................................................................23
Figure 9. Electricity Sales in GWh (2010) ..................................................................................23
Figure 10. PM emissions by region, tons/yr (2009) ...................................................................26
Figure 11. SOx emissions by region, tons/yr (2009) ...................................................................27
Figure 12. NOx emissions by region, tons/yr (2009) ..................................................................28
Figure 13. CO emissions by region, tons/yr (2009) ...................................................................29
Figure 14. VOC emissions by region, tons/yr (2009) .................................................................29
Figure 15. National Emission Inventory by Sources and Criteria Pollutant ................................31
Figure 16. PM, SOx, NOx, CO and VOC Emissions for Stationary Sources in NCR (2011) ......32
Figure 17. Number of Vehicles (in thousands) in the Philippines (2000-2010) ...........................33
Figure 18. Fuel Consumption (2010-2011) ................................................................................33
Figure 19. Distribution of Construction Projects by Region (2010) .............................................36
Figure 20. National Network of Existing Monitoring Stations .....................................................38
Figure 21. Proposed Air Quality Monitoring Set-up in Metro Manila ..........................................40
Figure 22. PM10 Levels per Station............................................................................................41
Figure 23. TSP Levels per Region (2010-2011) ........................................................................42
Figure 24. Annual Average SO2 levels for Cebu, CAR and Cagayan de Oro (2007-2011) ........42
Figure 25. Annual Average NO2 levels for Cebu, CAR and Cagayan de Oro (2007-2011) ........43
Figure 26. Corn Yield in tons per hectare (2000-2011) ..............................................................45
Figure 27. Rice Yield in tons per hectare (2000-2011) ..............................................................46
Figure 28. Poor Visibility at 9 a.m. on 1 January 2012 ...............................................................47
Figure 29. New Year PM2.5 Concentrations (2003-2012) ...........................................................47
Figure 30. Number of Apprehensions (2000-2008) ...................................................................57

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List of Tables
Table 1. Top 10 Most Populated Cities in the Philippines (2010) ...............................................19
Table 2. Top 10 Most Densely Populated Cities in the Philippines (2010) .................................19
Table 3. Sources Included in 2009 Emissions Inventory ...........................................................24
Table 4. Coverage of Emission Sources by Region in 2009 Emissions Inventory .....................25
Table 5. Motorization Index in the Philippines per Region and Vehicle (2007) ..........................34
Table 6. Air Quality Monitoring Capacity by Region (2011) .......................................................37
Table 7. PM10 Monitoring Stations by Most Populated City Required vs. Actual Number...........39
Table 8. TSP levels during New Year (2011 & 2012) ................................................................48
Table 9. Number of Flights Affected by Poor Visibility (New Year 2011 & 2012) .......................48
Table 10. Comparison of Philippine NAAQGV and WHO Air Quality Guidelines .......................49
Table 11. Airsheds per Region (2011) .......................................................................................50
Table 12. Total Deposits and Certifiable Available Funds made by EMB and LTO under the
AQMF in Million Pesos (PHP) (2002-2011) ...............................................................................53
Table 13. Summary of Special Allotment Request Order for 2008 in Philippine Pesos (000
PHP) .........................................................................................................................................53
Table 14. Anti-Smoke Belching Test Results (2011) .................................................................57

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Acronyms and Abbreviations


ADB
AIP
AQI
AQMF
AQMS
CAA
CAR
CDO
CEMS
CFCERT
CNG
CO
CO2
COC
DA
DAO
DepEd
DENR
DILG
DOE
DOH
DOTC
DOST
DTI
EANET
EEID
EMB
EST
GB
GDP
GHG
HNO3
IEC
KBP
LDC
LDIP
LGC
LGU
LPG
LTO
MC
MO
MOA
MOOE
MMDA

Asian Development Bank


Annual Investment Programs
Air quality index
Air Quality Management Fund
Air Quality Management Section
Clean Air Act
Cordillera Administrative Region
Cease and Decease Order
Continuous Emission Monitoring System
Committee on Fuel Conservation and Efficiency in Road Transport
Compressed natural gas
Carbon monoxide
Carbon dioxide
Certificate of conformity
Department of Agriculture
Department Administrative Order
Department of Education
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Department of Interior and Local Government
Department of Energy
Department of Health
Department of Transportation and Communication
Department of Science and Technology
Department of Trade and Industry
Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia
Environmental Education and Information Division
Environmental Management Bureau
Environmentally Sustainable Transport
Governing Board
Gross Domestic Product
Greenhouse gas
Nitric acid
Information, education and communication
Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas
Local development council
Local Development Investment Programs
Local Government Code
Local government unit
Liquefied petroleum gas
Land Transportation Office
Memorandum circular
Manila Observatory
Memorandum of Agreement
Maintenance, operations and other expenses
Metro Manila Development Authority
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MVIS
NAQSR
NAAQGV
NCA
NCR
NEECP
NGO
NGVPPT
NH3
NO2
NOV
NOx
O3
PAB
PCO
PETC
PHAP
PIA
PM
PM10
PM2.5
PMA
PNRI
PTO
PUB
RA
RO
SARO
SMR
SO2
SOx
SUV
SVPCF
TC
TPES
TSP
USEPA
UV
VOC
WHO

Motor Vehicle Inspection System


National Air Quality Status Report
National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Value
National Cash Allocation
National Capital Region
National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program
Non-government organizations
Natural Gas Vehicle Program for Public Transport
Ammonia
Nitrogen dioxide
Notice of violation
Nitrogen oxides
Ozone
Pollution Adjudication Board
Pollution control officer
Private Emission Testing Center
Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines
Philippine Information Agency
Particulate matter
Particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter of 10 microns
Particulate matter with diameter of 2.5 microns
Philippine Medical Association
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute
Permit to operate
Public utility bus
Republic Act
Regional Office
Special Allotment Request Order
Self-monitoring report
Sulfur dioxide
Sulfur oxides
Sports utility vehicle
Special Vehicle Pollution Control Fund
Tricycle
Total primary energy supply
Total suspended particulates
US Environmental Protection Agency
Utility vehicle
Volatile organic compound
World Health Organization

UNITS AND MEASURES

C
GWh
km
km2

Degree Celsius
Gigawatt-hours
Kilometers
Square kilometer
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kTOE
MTOE
PHP
g/Nm3
US $

Kilotons of oil-equivalent
Million tonnes of oil equivalent
Philippine Peso
Micrograms per normal cubic meter
United States Dollar

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) as tasked by the Philippine Clean Air Act (RA 8749) prepares
the required National Air Quality Status Report (NAQSR). The NAQSR serves as a basis for
evaluation of current programs and formulation of policies to improve air quality. To further
the relevance and application of NAQSR, this latest edition also presents the drivers of air
pollution (urbanization, economic growth, energy consumption and mobility), success stories
and best practices; challenges and problems encountered; public awareness and
environmental education programs; research outputs and activities of the different
stakeholders including various government agencies, civil societies, and the international
development community.
The Philippines socio-economic conditions for 2010 are presented as follows: the Philippine
population has an estimate of 92.3 million (92,337,852), a 2% of the worlds population, with
a growth rate of 1.9% which is higher than the world growth rate of 1.1%; Philippines was
ranked 12th out of 220 countries in terms of population. In 2010-2015, Philippine urban
population is 49% with 2.3% estimated annual rate of urbanization and as of 2011, the
Philippines has 138 cities, majority of these cities have a population between 100,000 to
500,000 persons. The most populated and dense cities are located in the NCR and in the
neighboring regions. The Philippines gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 7.3% in 2010
from 2009, 1.1% in 2009 from 2008, for the year 2010, GDP per capita was at P148,
645.21(about US$ 3,500), showing an increase from 2009 figures, which was at US$3,300.
It implied an increase in the countrys economic growth likewise in the spending capacity per
individual. Economic growth brings increased demand for mobility, energy, goods and
services which may result in increased air pollution, if policies and measures are not in place
to manage this adverse impact. The total primary energy supply (TPES) of the country is
somehow stable in 2000 from 39.3 million tons of oil equivalent (MTOE) to 40.7 MTOE in
2010, an increase of 3.6%. The countrys renewable energy share is among, if not the
highest in the world. The transport sector has the highest percent share in oil consumption,
having consumed 9,002.67 kTOE of the total 24,744.96 Ktoe. The share of coal and oilbased sources however has been increasingly reduced through replacement of natural
gases and other renewable energy sources.
Air pollution may be due to natural or human-made (anthropogenic) sources. For the
purposes of formulating air quality management strategies, sources of pollution may be
classified into stationary, mobile and area. Definition of stationary, mobile and area sources
are defined from RA 8749.EMB Regional Offices compile emissions inventory every three
years pursuant to the RA 8749 and consolidated to a national emissions inventory. Using the
results from the 2009 National and Regional Emissions Inventories, the emissions of the
following pollutants particulate matter (PM), sulfur oxides (SOx), oxides of nitrogen (NOx)
and volatile organic compounds (VOC), carbon monoxide (CO) are determined. Due to
limitation of resources, it is noted that not all EMB Regional Offices are able to compile
emissions to achieve 100% coverage of all of the sources. As expected, VOC, NO x and CO
emissions primarily come from mobile sources. More than half of PM emissions were from
area sources, while stationary sources were mostly responsible for SOx emissions.

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Air quality monitoring is routinely conducted by the EMB Regional Offices. Aside from EMB
Regional Offices, some cities also conduct their own air quality monitoring activities funded
from internal city funds or international projects, as in the case of Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro.
EMB-DENR is planning to expand the air quality monitoring activities in the country. The
bureau aims to install at least one PM2.5 monitoring station each for highly urbanized cities by
2013.
Out of 17 regions, only seven regions are capable of PM10 monitoring. The station located in
Caloocan has the highest recording of PM10 at 167 g/Nm3. Another station with high levels
of PM10 is at MRT-Pasay-Taft station where the annual average reading of 2010 was at 130
g/Nm3. Only seven regions have complete data on TSP emissions for 2010 and 2011. In
terms of geometric mean, Region 9 and NCR have the highest TSP levels and Region 12
the lowest TSP levels for both 2010 and 2011. Although TSP readings have declined since
2004, all exceeded the air quality guideline value of 90g/m 3.
A large number of studies has demonstrated that air pollution is associated with a range of
adverse health outcomes, ranging from mortality to subclinical respiratory symptoms. The
World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes 3.12 million premature
deaths worldwide - 1.15 million due to urban outdoor air pollution and 1.97 million due to
indoor air pollution (WHO, 2009). Data from the Philippine Health Statistics expressed that
four out of 10 leading causes of morbidity in 2008 were attributed to air pollution, i.e. acute
respiratory infection, acute lower respiratory tract infection and pneumonia, bronchitis, and
heart diseases. In 2010, 1,948 (17%) cases and 1,561 deaths out of 11,458 cases and 9,184
deaths from all medical causes were attributed by the Philippine Cancer Society to air
pollution, having an attributable fraction of 17%. The total direct costs of the effects of
particulate matter on respiratory health due to exceeding air quality guideline values in Metro
Manila alone amounted to PHP 368.8 million and PHP 400 million in 2004 and 2007,
respectively.
Air pollution especially ozone has been known to affect agricultural yield of some crops such
as rice, tomato and pumpkin. In some Asian countries, crop yield has already decreased by
between 5 and 35%. Studies estimate that the yield of rice, wheat, and legumes Asias
staple cropswill decrease even more as ozone production is expected to increase rapidly.
In the Philippines, rice and corn are common agricultural products that could be affected by
air pollution. In the New Years Eve of 2011, only six out of nine stations in Metro Manila
exceeded the guideline values but in New Years Eve of 2012, all of the stations exceeded
the same guideline values. The Clean Air Act established the National Ambient Air Quality
Guideline Values (NAAQGV) to protect public health and safety, and general welfare. These
were based on the US Environmental Protection Agency, European Union, WHO air quality
guidelines or standards applicable at that time RA 8749 was drafted and adopted.
Airsheds are designated areas with similar climate, weather, meteorology and topology
which affect the interchange and diffusion of pollutants in the atmosphere. They are also
areas which share common interest or face similar development programs, prospects or
problems. As of 2011, there are 20 airsheds established in the Philippines. Pursuant to
Section 14 of RA 8749, the Air Quality Management Fund (AQMF) was established as a
special account in the National Treasury administered and managed by the DENR through
EMB. A third of the AQMF is normally reserved for national purposes while two-thirds is
allocated to airshed management. The Fund finances: 1) containment, removal and clean-up
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operations of the government in air pollution cases; 2) restoration of ecosystems and


rehabilitation of areas affected by violators of RA 8749; 3) research, enforcement and
monitoring activities, and capability-building of implementing agencies; and 4) provision of
technical assistance to implementing agencies to finance similar activities undertaken within
an airshed.
For the period 2010-2011, the following DENR Administrative Orders (DAOs) were
published: Guidelines on the Use of Alternative Fuels and Raw Materials in Cement Kilns
(DAO 2010-06); Re-designation of the Metro Manila Airshed into three individual Airsheds
and establishment of their Governing Board (DAO 2011-11); and Clarificatory Guideline on
DAO 2000-81, Part VI, Rule XIX, Section 13 of the IRR of RA 8749 (Memorandum Circular
[MC] 2011-004). Meanwhile, the DOE has started the process on the update/revision of the
Fuel Quality Standards for Stationary and Mobile Sources. A draft of the update is expected
by 2012 for finalization and promulgation.
Monitoring and enforcement of policies and regulations related to stationary sources is
primarily done through EMB Regional Offices (ROs). ROs survey, issue permit and monitor
firms, furnish information on the levels of criteria pollutants to local government units (LGUs),
provide technical assistance to stakeholders, and conduct information, education and
communication (IEC) activities. Based on the regional reports submitted by five regions, a
total of 142 NOVs and 2,432 PTOs were issued in 2010-2011. Two cases resulting in a
dismissal and an issuance of a Cease and Desist Order (CDO) were filed at the Pollution
Adjudication Board (PAB) in 2010 while three cases were filed in 2011 resulting in an
issuance of a CDO, a final lifting order, and a temporary lifting order. Aside from the EMB,
the different LGUs have also implemented systems that aim to manage emissions from
stationary sources such as manufacturing plants, companies and businesses operating
within their boundaries.
In relation to mobile sources, the following DAOs and Department Circulars were released in
2010 and 2011:Revised Emission Standards for Motor Vehicles Equipped with
Compression-Ignition and Spark Ignition Engines (DAO 2010-23);Revised Emission
Limits/Standards for Motorcycles/Tricycles and Mopeds (DAO 2010-24); and, Mandatory
Bioethanol Blending (Department Circular No. 2011-002-001). Local government units also
assist in addressing pollution from mobile sources through their anti-smoke belching
programs. In 2011, 60,444 vehicles underwent smoke-belching tests in Metro Manila. The
LTO also conducts roadside apprehensions to accost smoke-belching vehicles. From 2000
to 2008, LTO recorded the highest number of apprehensions in 2006. On August 2011, Air
Quality Management Section (AQMS) personnel of EMB conducted garage emission testing
of public utility buses (PUBs) operating in Metro Manila. Fourteen bus terminals, with a total
of 840 authorized vehicles, were visited. Out of the 840 vehicles, 191 units (22.74%) were
tested - 175 vehicles (91.62%) found to be in compliance with the standards, while 16 units
(8.38%) failed to comply. It was observed that compliance to emission standards is not
dependent on the age of the engine as long as proper preventive maintenance system is
undertaken on a regular basis. As part of the Linis Hangin Program, a seminar/training on
Fuel Efficiency and Motor Vehicle Preventive Maintenance was conducted to educate bus
operators, drivers and mechanics on the proper preventive maintenance processes. The
regulations and policies to reduce pollution from area sources may also be covered by other

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laws e.g. ban on waste burning under the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of
2000, or construction permit systems by local government units.
Area sources of pollution are by nature complicated to manage because of the lack of
distinct points for regulation such as a stack for stationary sources and tailpipe for mobile
sources. A key challenge to enforcing measures on area sources is the assumed yet
indistinct mandates or the lack of strong collaborations with other agencies on related
measures e.g. ban on firecrackers by DOH which looks into the regulation of firecrackers
from the perspective of safety as compared to environmental health.
The EMB, through its Environmental Education and Information Division (EEID), has
initiated, in partnership with the EMBs Air Quality Management Section (AQMS), other
government agencies, private organizations, and the civil society, three major public
awareness and education campaigns on air quality management, all under the Linis Hangin
program are the following:

The Clean Air 10 Plus One Forum held in 2010 was organized with the theme,
Moving the Clean Air 10 Declaration: A Step Forward and the two-day Clean Air
10+2 Forum held in 2011 was with the theme, Strengthening Partnerships towards
Cleaner Air and Climate Action. Both stressed the need to strengthen partnerships
and coordinated action toward cleaner air.

EMB, in partnership with telecommunications giants SMART Inc. and Globe


Telecommunications, came up with the Text Brigade Campaign involving the general
public via MMS (Multi-media Messaging Service). The EMB-EEID provided
assistance to the EMB-AQMS as DENR, through the EMB, inked an agreement with
major government agencies and a media watchdog to further strengthen its
campaign against smoke-belchers. Among the signatories of the Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) were the DENR, DILG, DOTC, Metro Manila Development
Authority (MMDA), mayors of Metro Manila, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng
Pilipinas (KBP), and the Philippine Medical Association (PMA).Information and
education campaigns have been likewise facilitated in the regions through EMB
Regional Environmental Education and Information Sections (EEIS). Achieving
healthy levels of air quality requires multiple stakeholder effort and using different
mechanisms.

Some of the initiatives undertaken by different organizations in the period 2010-2011 are the
following:

In a collaborative project with DOH and DENR, Makati City localized environmental
health monitoring by conducting its own survey of pollutant exposure in specified
stations in the city;

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In cooperation with Mandaluyong City, Pasig City and other stakeholders, with
funding support from the Philippine Institute of Petroleum (PIP), the project swapped
old 2-stroke motorcycles which emit higher levels of CO and PM, with brand new 4stroke motorcycles benefitting members of the Mandaluyong Federation of Tricycles
Associations (MAFETA) and the Pasig S-Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association
(TODA);

PCA, together with the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP),
Meralco and other stakeholders, organized the 1st Electric Vehicle Summit in 2010.
The summit brought together various stakeholders from the private sector, academe,
civil society, and government, which led to the formation of the Electric Vehicle
Alliance of the Philippines;

Iwas Paputoxic Campaign on Firecrackers of Eco-waste in partnership with the


Miss Earth Foundation, Ministry of Ecology of the Our Lady of Remedies Parish in
Malate, and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society to organize creative events for the
public to understand the ill-effects of firecrackers including its impact on air quality;

Padyak Project, as part of its long-term advocacy for non-motorized modes of


transport, ESI, together with Don Bosco Technical College, modified the design of
the pedicab to provide drive train durability, driver convenience, passenger comfort,
vehicle safety and economic viability.

Clean Air Initiative Asias five-year Exchange Program (supported by FredskorpsetNorway) involves young professionals from six countries which included the
Philippines to gain practical skills in air quality management (AQM) and
strengthening the linkages between academic and research institutions engaged in
AQM in Asia. Clean Fleet Management by CAI-Asia serves as the conduit for the
UNEP-TNT Clean Fleet Toolkit that enables fleet managers and other stakeholders
to practice clean fleet management in Asia. In the Philippines, CAI-Asia, together
with the Philippine Business for the Environment (PBE) trained in 2009, the Meralco
South Distribution Services on clean fleet management and the use of the toolkit;

Eco-G Nanotechnology, Inc. Introduced the Eco-G3000 is a fuel vaporizer that


reduces toxic emissions from fuel combustion, such as carbon monoxide (CO),
hydrocarbons (HC), carbon dioxide (CO 2), and nitrogen oxide (NOx);

Pacific Paints (Boysen) Philippines initiated the The KNOxOUT Project is an urban
renewal initiative to lessen air pollution along EDSA through large-scale artworks
(each 1,000 square meters);

Maynilad Water Services, Inc. AP and GHG Emissions Accounting, Maynilad


became the first company in the Philippines to receive the ISO 14064:2006, a
certification for the verification of a companys greenhouse gas (GHG) or carbon
footprint quantification and reporting initiative;

MAPECON Green Charcoal Philippines, INC. (MGCPI) JCEL (Hydrogenated Diesel


Fuel Oil).MGCPI started commercializing its hydrogenated diesel fuel oil, JCEL, in
2011;
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Asian Development Bank (ADB), 5th& 6th Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF). ADB
provides a knowledge-sharing platform for learning and exchange of experience on
key issues in clean energy through its annually-conducted Asia Clean Energy Forum.

World Bank (WB) Chiller Energy Efficiency Project. In 2010, the World Bank
approved the Chiller Energy Efficiency Project for the Philippines which aims to
reduce GHG emissions by replacing inefficient chillers.

United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Climate Change and
Clean Energy Project (CEnergy). CEnergy demonstrates the support of USAID to the
Philippine governments progressive response to address energy security and
combat climate change

German International Cooperation (GIZ), Clean Air for Smaller Cities. Clean Air for
Smaller Cities is a project financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic
Cooperation and Development that aims to improve air quality in non-metropolitan
areas of selected Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) cities, including
those in the Philippines. Iloilo and Cagayan de Oro were selected to participate in the
project.

EANET, As the National Center of the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East
Asia (EANET), the EMB continues to conduct monitoring activities on wet deposition
and dry deposition to measure concentrations and fluxes of acidic substances
deposited to the ground. In lay terms, this refers to acid precipitation or acid rain or
soil acidification. The monitoring data indicate that the acidification, if any, is
insignificant or at very low levels.

The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute has conducted the monitoring of PM10 in
the air since 1998 to identify major sources of air pollution and estimate their
contribution from multi-element data. Recent studies have identified black carbon
(BC) as a short-lived climate forcer or pollutants that contribute to global warming.
Reduction of black carbon has been considered, therefore, as a short-term solution
to climate change while waiting for mitigation measures for the GHGs to take effect in
Metro Manila.

Considering the existing challenges and future development plan, recommended steps and
measures for National Air Quality Management are focused in four main aspects policy,
research and development, capacity building and institutional framework, and finance, which
various stakeholders can consider to implement in the immediate or long-term periods, with
strong support at the national and local levels of governance in the country.

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1.

About the National Air Quality Status Report

The Philippine Clean Air Act (RA 8749) requires the annual preparation of a National Air Quality
Status Reports (NAQSR) as a basis for evaluation of current programs and formulation of
policies to improve air quality.1 The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) is tasked to
prepare the Report which shall contain:

A summary of the extent of air pollution in the country, per type of pollutant and per type
of source;
An analysis and evaluation of the current state, trends and projections of air pollution;
An identification of critical areas, activities, or projects which will need closer monitoring
or regulation;
Other pertinent qualitative and quantitative information concerning the extent of air
pollution and the air quality performance rating of industries in the country.
Recommendations for necessary executive and legislative action; and,

Since 1999, four NAQSRs have been issued covering the following years: (1) the 1970s up to
2002; (2) 2003-2005; (3) 2005-2007; (4) 2008-2009. This Report will be the 5 th edition covering
2010 and 2011.
In addition to providing information mandated above, the NAQSR also presents the drivers of air
pollution (urbanization, economic growth, energy consumption and mobility), success stories
and best practices; challenges and problems encountered; public awareness and environmental
education programs; research outputs and activities of the different stakeholders including
various government agencies, civil societies, and the international development community.
This edition of the NAQSR will cover analysis on pollutants covered by RA 8749, as follows:
total suspended particulate matter(TSP), particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter of 10
micronsor smaller (PM10), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), photochemical oxidants
as Ozone (O3), Carbon monoxide (CO) and Lead (Pb), including other air pollutants that may
have impacts on public health and the Philippine environment.
Since 2004, EMB Regional Offices have been required to compile their own annual Regional
Ambient Air Quality Status Reports.

1.2.

National and Socio-Economic Conditions of the Philippines

The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,107 islands, with a land area of 299,764 km 2 . The
Philippines is located to the east of Indochina and to the north of eastern Indonesia. The country
is bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the east, the Celebes Sea on the south and the West
Philippine Sea on the west and north.
1Republic
2

Act (RA) 8749 also known as The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 - http://emb.gov.ph/ECA%20Center/RA8749.pdf
Index Mundi. 2012. http://www.indexmundi.com/philippines/area.html

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As of March 2012, there are 17 regions, 80 provinces and 138 cities.3 Metro Manila or the
National Capital Region (NCR), the countrys capital, is an urban agglomeration composed of 16
cities and one municipality.4 It has a population of 13.9 million, making it a megacity.5
The Philippines is located in a tropical climate zone and has two distinct seasonsrainy (June
to November) and dry (December to May). The temperature ranges from 25.5C in January to
28.3C in May, and remains fairly high throughout the year.6 The climate of the Philippines is
influenced by the complex interaction of various factors such as geography, principal air
streams, ocean currents, among others. The country is also frequented by typhoons which help
in the dispersion of air pollution in cities.
Population and Urbanization
The Philippines has a population of 92.3 million (92,337,852) according to the 2010 census.7
While the country accounts only for less than 2% of the worlds population, its growth rate of
1.9% is higher than the world growth rate of 1.1%.Philippineswas ranked 12th out of 220
countries in terms of population in 2010.8
The share of the urban population is 49% with an estimated annual rate of urbanization of 2.3%
for the period 2010-2015. 9 As of 2011, the Philippines has138 cities.Statistics indicate the
steady increase of urban population along with an increasing total population (Figure 1). On the
other hand, rural population remained stable for the past decade, apart from a slight decrease in
2001.
100

Millions

80
60
40
20
0
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Total Population

Urban Population

Rural Population

Figure 1. Population and Urbanization of the Philippines (2000-2010)


Reference: Philippine Census, 2000,2007 & 2010
3NSCB.

2009. Provincial Summary number of Provinces, Cities, Municipalities, and Barangays, By Region.
http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/NSCB_PSGC_SUMMARY_Jun2009.pdf
4 National Nutrition Council. http://www.nnc.gov.ph/component/k2/itemlist/category/89
5United Nations. 2010. An Urbanized World. http://www.un.org/ga/Istanbul+5/10-11.pdf
6PAGASA. 2009. Climatology and Agrometeorology. http://kidlat.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/cab/cab.htm
7NSCB. 2010. Population of the Philippines. http://www.nscb.gov.ph/secstat/d_popn.asp
8Index Mundi. 2012. http://www.indexmundi.com/world/population_growth_rate.html
9Index Mundi. 2010. http://www.indexmundi.com/philippines/demographics_profile.html

Page | 18

Majority of thecities have a population between 100,000 to 500,000 persons (Figure 2). The
most populated and dense cities are located in the NCRand in theneighboring regions (Table
1andTable 2). In 2010, 4 cities had a population of above 1 million withQuezon City, located in
Metro Manila,asthe most populous city.
2000

2010

80 83
50

37
3

below
100,000

100,000 500,000

13

500,000 - 1
million

1 million - 2
million

above 2
million

Figure 2. Number of Philippine Cities by Population Size (2010)


Table 1. Top 10 Most Populated Cities in the Philippines (2010)
Rank

Cities/Municipalities

Population (2010)

1
Quezon City
2
Manila
3
Caloocan
4
Davao
5
Cebu
6
Zamboanga
7
Antipolo
8
Pasig
9
Taguig
10
Cagayan de Oro
Source: National Statistics Office, 201210

2,761,720
1,652,171
1,489,040
1,449,296
866,171
807,129
677,741
669,773
644,473
602,088

Density
(persons/sq.km)
16,083.62
66,139.75
26,685.30
593.00
2,749.75
544.11
2,214.12
13,821.15
14,255.10
1,458.55

Region
NCR
NCR
NCR
Region XI
Region VII
Region VIII
Region IV-A
NCR
NCR
Region X

Table 2. Top 10 Most Densely Populated Cities in the Philippines (2010)

Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

City
Manila
Mandaluyong
Pasay
Navotas
Caloocan
Makati
Malabon

Population
1,652,171
328,699
392,869
249,131
1,489,040
529,039
353,337

Area
(sq.km)
25
9
14
9
56
22
16

Density
(persons/sq.km)
66,140
35,382
28,122
27,867
26,685
24,527
22,491

Region
NCR
NCR
NCR
NCR
NCR
NCR
NCR

10

Household Statistics Department. National Statistics Office as posted in http://census.gov.ph/data/pressrelease/2012/pr1227tx.html

Page | 19

8
San Juan
121,430
9
Marikina
424,150
10
Las Pinas
552,573
Source: National Statistical Coordination Board11

6
22
33

20,408
19,710
16,903

NCR
NCR
NCR

Economy and Industry


The Philippines gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 7.3% in 2010 from 2009, 1.1% in 2009
from 2008, 3.7% in 2008 from 2007, and 7.1% in 2007 from 2006 (Figure 3). The Service
sector, has the highest percent share of the GDP, at 54.4%, followed by the Industry sector at
33.3% and by the agriculture, fishery and forestry sector at 12.3% (2011 estimate).12For the
year 2010, GDP per capita was at P148, 645.21(about US$ 3,500), showing an increase from
2009 figures, which was at US$3,300. It likewise implied an increase in the spending capacity
per individual. Economic growth brings increased demand for mobility, energy, goods and
services which may result in increased air pollution, if policies and measures are not in place to
manage this adverse impact.

Figure 3. Economy of the Philippines: GDP (Current US$) with GDP Growth Rate
and GDP per Capita (2000-2010)
Reference: World Bank, 2011 Indicators.http://data.worldbank.org/indicator;
National Accounts of the Philippines. 1946-2010.

Energy
Despite the rapid growth in population, the total primary energy supply (TPES) of the country is
somehow stable where in 2000 it was at 39.3 million tones of oil equivalent (MTOE) and
increased 3.6% to 40.7 MTOE in 2010. To ensure energy security, the country includes a target
of self sufficiency from indigenous energy sources. The energy self sufficiency has been
increasing generally since 2000 but 2010 self-sufficiency (57.5%) share has reduced slightly
from 2009(59.2%) (Figure 4). Share of renewable energy and other green energy sources are
11

http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/listcity.asp

12

National Accounts of the Philippines. 1946-2010

Page | 20

increasing since 2000 and in 2010, renewable energy share accounts for almost 39% (Figure
5).
60

Percent Share

55
50
45

40
35
30

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
INDIGENOUS ENERGY

NET IMPORTED ENERGY

Figure 4. Trend of Energy and Self Sufficiency Philippines (2000-2010)


Source: DOE

Figure 5. Primary Energy Mix (2010)


Source: DOE

When compared with other countries and international averages, the countrys renewable
energy share is among, if not the highest in the world (Figure 6).

Page | 21

Figure 6. Philippines Share of Renewable Energy and Non-Renewable Energy Compared with
other Countries

Source: BP Statistical Review of World Energy, 2011

The transport sector has the highest percent share in oil consumption, having consumed
9,002.67 kTOE of the total 24,744.96 kTOE (Figure 7).
COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE
11%
1%

RESIDENTIAL
25%

OTHERS, NONENERGY USE


1%
INDUSTRY
26%

TRANSPORT
36%

Figure 7. Oil Consumption in kTOE (2010)


Source: DOE

Power generation in the Philippines for 2010 has been constantly increasing to meet the
growing populations demand. In 2000, total power generated was at 45,290 GWh which
increased to 67,743 GWh in 2010. The share of coal and oil-based sources, however, has been
increasingly reduced through replacement of natural gases and other renewable energy sources
Figure 8). The Philippines is also is among the top producers of geothermal energy in the world.

Page | 22

100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%

40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2000

2001
Oil-based

2002

2003

Hydro

2004

2005

Geothermal

Coal

2006

2007

2008

Other RE

2009

2010

Natural Gas

Figure 8. Power Generation Mix (2000-2010)

Source: DOE
Electricity sales, on the other hand, were dominated by the residential sector, which held 28% of
the total sales (Figure 9).13In all sectors, electricity demand increased from 2009 figures.14

Industrial
27%

Others
2%
Own-use
7%
Other
19%

Commercial
24%

System Loss
12%

Residential
28%

Figure 9. Electricity Sales in GWh (2010)


Source: DOE

13
14

Department of Energy
Almendras, Jose Rene. The Philippine Energy Sector. 2011.

Page | 23

2. SOURCES OF AIR POLLUTION


2.1. Sources and their Emissions
Air pollution may be due to natural or man-made (anthropogenic) sources.15 For the purposes of
formulating air quality management strategies, sources of pollution may be classified into
stationary, mobile and area. From RA 8749, stationary, mobile and area sources are defined as
the following:

Stationary source any building or immobile structure, facility or installation which emits
any air pollutant
Mobile source any vehicle/machine propelled by or through oxidation or reduction
reactions, including combustion of carbon-based or other fuel, constructed and operated
principally for the conveyance of persons or the transportation of property or goods that
emit air pollutants as a reaction product
Area source relatively large areas of specific activities that generate significant
amounts of air pollutants.

The detailed sources are listed in Table 3.


Table 3. Sources Included in 2009 Emissions Inventory

Stationary Sources
Power generation
Steel
Food manufacturing
Paper
Refineries
Cement
Chemical plants
Among others

Mobile Sources
Diesel
and
gasoline-fed
vehicles from cars, utility
vehicles,
buses,
trucks,
motorcycles

Area Sources
Gasoline refilling stations
Structural constructions
Dust resuspension for paved
and unpaved roads
Open burning
Agricultural activities
Residential fuel burning
Livestock
Structural fires
Dry cleaning
Kaingin
Surface Coating
Structural and Automobile
Fires
Dry Cleaning
Industrial Degreasing

Source: EMB

15As

defined in the Implementing Rules and Regulations of R.A. 8749, air pollution is the alteration of the physical, chemical and biological
properties of the atmosphere, or any discharge thereto of any liquid, gaseous or solid substances that will or is likely to create or to render the
air resources of the country harmful, detrimental, or injurious to public health, safety or welfare or which will adversely affect their utilization
for domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational, or other legitimate purposes (Environmental Management Bur eau, 2000).

Page | 24

EMB Regional Offices compile emissions inventory every 3 years pursuant to the RA 8749.
These regional emissions inventory is then consolidated to a national emissions inventory. This
report usesresults from the 2009 National and Regional Emissions Inventories.
The inventory covers emissions of the following pollutants particulate matter (PM), sulfur
oxides (SOx), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), carbon
monoxide (CO). Due to limitation of resources, it is noted that not all regions are able to compile
emissions to achieve 100% coverage of all of the sources.Table 4lists the coverage of
emissions from the regional offices.
Table 4. Coverage of Emission Sources by Region in 2009 Emissions Inventory
Region
NCR

I
II
III
IV-A
IV-B
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
XI
XII
CAR
CARAGA

% Coverage of Stationary
Sources
70
55
95
95
80
100
3.45
9
27
45.83
79.5
55
92
100
70
100

% Coverage of Mobile
Sources
100
75
75
75
70
100
100
10
55
100
100
100
100
90
75
100

% Coverage of Area
Sources
100
48
30
30
25
25
100
5
18
73.56
83.3
98
45
90
70
70

Source: EMB
Note: NS No submission yet/awaiting submission

For 2009, Region Iwas the main source of PM emissions (Figure 10), Region 8 for SOxemissions
(Figure 11), Region4-A for NOxemissions (Figure 12), and NCR for CO emissions (Figure 13).

Page | 25

Thousands

450

400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0

Figure 10. PM emissions by region, tons/yr (2009)


Note: Some regions have higher coverage of emission sources than others.

Page | 26

Thousands

300
250
200
150
100
50
0

Figure 11. SOxemissions by region, tons/yr (2009)


Note: Some regions have higher coverage of emission sources than others

Page | 27

Thousands

140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0

Figure 12. NOx emissions by region, tons/yr (2009)


Note: Some regions have higher coverage of emission sources than others.

Page | 28

Thousands

1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
0

Figure 13. CO emissions by region, tons/yr (2009)


Note: Some regions have higher coverage of emission sources than others.

Page | 29

Figure 14. VOC emissions by region, tons/yr (2009)


Note: Some regions have higher coverage of emission sources than others.

Page | 30

As expected, VOC, NOx and CO emissions primarily come from mobile sources (Figure 15).
More than half of PM emissions were from area sources, while stationary sources were mostly
responsible for SOx emissions.

Figure 15. National Emission Inventory by Sources and Criteria Pollutant


Note: Coverage of emission sources is not 100%

Stationary Sources
Only EMB-NCR was able to disaggregate its emission inventory by industry source in 2011,
results of which are shown inFigure 16. Stationary sources contribute mostly to SOx and PMof
the nine stationary sources identified, food manufacturing was responsible for highest
contribution to PM (91%), SO2 (40%), NOx (25%), and CO (64%). Paper and packaging
manufacturing contributed the most to VOC emissions (25%) while chemical and allied products
were second to food manufacturing in most emissions for PM (4%), SO x (33%), and NOx (25%).

Page | 31

4500
4000

3500
ug/Ncm

3000
2500
2000
1500
1000

500
0

Paper &
Textile Rubber &
Steel
Food
Glass
Cigarrete
Chemical
Packaging
Products
Plastic
Manufact Manufact Manufact
Manufact
& Allied
Manufact
& Allied Manufact
urers
urers
urers
urers
Products
urers
Services
urers

Other
Services

PM

57

4076

11

33

37

76

158

32

SOx

682

2433

114

355

93

86

92

2018

181

NOx

398

733

46

532

32

32

22

729

415

CO

88

733

109

21

18

149

VOC

26

25

28

20

Figure 16. PM, SOx, NOx, CO and VOC Emissions for Stationary Sources in NCR (2011)
Source: EMB

Mobile Sources
According to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the total number of registered vehicles in
2010 reached 6,849,784, a spike from 2000 figures of 3,796,274(Figure 17). From 2000 to
2010, the numbers grew by 80.4% with the most recent annual vehicle growth rate from 2009 to
2010 at 6.75%. Of all the vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles had the highest growth rate at
8.9% from 2009 figures while trailers had the lowest growth rate at 1.9%.Metro Manila, alone,
reached a vehicle population of 1,814,753 in 2005, which increased to 1,904,395 in 2010.

Page | 32

No. of Vehicles (In thousands)

4,000
3,500

3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
0
Cars

UV

SUV
2000

Trucks
2009

Buses

MC/TC

Trailers

2010

Figure 17. Number of Vehicles (in thousands) in the Philippines (2000-2010)


Source: LTO

Motorcycles and tricycles comprised 53% of the total vehicles in the Philippines in 2010. Twoand three-wheeler vehicles emit high amounts of major pollutants (i.e. CO, NO x, PM10, VOCs)
andgreenhouse gases(GHG).They also contribute to noise pollution, and to the adverse effects
on the human respiratory system. The Philippine government has recently acted on its interest
in shifting to electric 2- and 3-wheelers. 16 Experiences in Vietnam and India indicated that
following electric vehicle adoption and reinforced by aggressive supportive policy, emissions
could be reduced, in some cases, to a maximum of 42%.17
The Transport sector consumed the most diesel fuel in 2010 and 2011 at 3,059 million liters and
2,990 liters, respectively. It also had the highest percent share in gasoline consumption at 86%
in 2010, and 83% in 2011 (Figure 18).

in million liters

4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
0
FY 2010
Transport (Retail)

FY 2011
Commercial/Industrial

Figure 18. Fuel Consumption (2010-2011)


Source: LTO
16

For more information on government e-vehicle programs, refer to Appendix A


Development Bank. 2009. E-Bikes in India and Vietnam.

17Asian

Page | 33

Motorization indices refer to the number of vehicles per 1,000 inhabitants and are indicative of
an areas economic development and its impact on the environment. A high motorization index
corresponds with a high level of economic development and quality of life, but may pose a
burden on the environment because of the extensive use of energy sources, local air pollution
and development of road networks.18NCR had the highest motorization index at 137.3 followed
by Region II at 75.9 and Region III at 75.5. Majority of the vehicles from Region II and Region III
were comprised of motorcycles and tricycles, which have a motorization index of 46.6 out of
75.9 and 37.2 out of 75.5, respectively. Out of the 5 regions with the highest indices, 4 were
located in Luzon alone (Table 5).
Over all, vehicles, motorcycles and tricycles have the highest country motorization index at
449.63 followed by diesel utility vehicles at 148.04, but the gap between the two vehicles is
considerably large.
Table 5. Motorization Index in the Philippines per Region and Vehicle (2007)

Region

CARS

UV

SUV

TRUCKS

BUSES

MC/
TC

TRAILERS

Region
al

5.0

0.0

4.9

11.4

0.3

0.6

0.0

2.7

0.0

0.5

42.8

0.2

68.4

II

3.3

0.2

4.1

13.7

0.2

0.9

0.1

5.6

0.0

0.5

46.6

0.7

75.9

III

7.4

0.0

7.8

16.4

0.8

1.1

0.0

4.1

0.0

0.3

37.2

0.3

75.5

IV

6.3

0.0

5.8

11.7

0.4

0.5

0.0

1.8

0.0

0.2

28.7

0.1

55.6

1.7

0.0

2.1

4.6

0.1

0.2

0.0

1.6

0.0

0.3

22.5

0.1

33.1

VI

3.8

0.1

7.5

0.3

0.5

0.1

4.0

0.0

0.2

23.5

0.1

44.6

VII

5.8

0.6

4.6
11.
5

6.1

1.3

1.6

0.8

3.9

0.0

0.4

35.9

0.2

68.1

VIII

1.0

0.0

3.4

3.6

0.1

0.3

0.0

2.2

0.0

0.2

19.7

0.0

30.6

IX

1.3

0.0

5.4

3.7

0.2

0.4

0.2

1.7

0.0

0.2

39.2

0.1

52.2

2.9

0.0

4.8

6.0

0.3

0.8

0.1

3.0

0.1

0.2

21.7

0.2

40.1

XI

4.8

0.0

5.2

6.5

0.3

0.9

0.0

3.3

0.0

0.2

31.1

0.3

52.6

XII

3.7

0.1

6.4

0.2

0.4

0.3

3.6

0.0

0.2

34.0

0.2

53.6

NCR

34.1

1.2

4.5
16.
8

29.5

5.7

4.0

0.2

4.9

0.2

0.7

39.2

1.0

137.3

CAR

6.2

0.1

3.2

18.2

0.6

0.9

0.2

3.1

0.0

0.2

9.7

0.0

42.5

CARAGA
1.0 0.2 2.4
Note: G = Gas, D = Diesel

2.7

0.0

0.3

0.0

1.2

0.0

0.1

17.8

0.0

25.8

Road density in the country also increased from 0.54 km/sq.km in 2003 to 0.67 km/sq.km in
2007, and country road networks improved at a rate of 25% between 1990 and

18

Page | 34

2007.19Regardless of expanding roads, however, traffic congestion is still a persistent problem.


Meanwhile, the amount of pollutants emitted by vehicles is going up.
With government-led programs, the country has also experienced an increased interest in
compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas-fuelled vehicles. According to the
DOE, as of 2010, there were 41 CNG fuelled buses commercially operating along BatangasLaguna-Manila route which is estimated to have displaced 2.7 Million liters of diesel in 2010 and
3.3 Million liters of diesel in 2011. By end of 2011, there were 19,052 taxi units using auto-LPG
(increased from 17,500 taxi units in 2010) displacing an estimated 136 Million liters of gasoline
in 2011. Electric vehicle population is also increasing and numbered 560 units by end of 2010. 20
Despite the continuous improvement of fuel and compliance of oil companies with fuel
standards, air quality of major cities remains poor. It may possibly be attributed to the poor
maintenance of vehicles, overloading, and congestion, which contribute to increased emissions.
Area Sources
The most common area sources are road dust, construction activities and waste burning. The
past decade has seen a growing number of construction activities especially in the urban areas
in the country. In 2010, most of the construction projects were concentrated in Region IV-A or
CALABARZON (Figure 19).CALABARZON had a percent share of 25.9% (or 29,379 projects) of
the construction projects followed by NCR at 12.9% (or 14, 623), and Central Luzon at 12.8%
(14,541). A total of 113,230 new construction projects were approved in 2010, which was a
slight increase of 1% compared to 112,102 construction projects in 2009.

19UN

20

Center for Regional Development. 2010. Formulation of a National Environmentally Sustainable Transport Strategy for the Philippines

http://www.doe.gov.ph/Sec%20Corner/SRDA%20Energy%20Sector%20-%20Clark.pdf

Page | 35

Figure 19. Distribution of Construction Projects by Region (2010)


Source: NSCB. Private Building Construction Statistics, 2010.

As indicated in the emissions inventory compiled in 2009, area sources contribute significantly
to PM emissions. PM emitted by area sources, however, are often of particulates in bigger sizes
(e.g. resuspended dust from road or construction).

Page | 36

3. STATUS OF AIR QUALITY


3.1. Air Quality Monitoring
Air quality monitoring is routinely conducted by the EMB regional offices. Table 6and Figure
20indicates the number of air quality monitoring stations installed and in operation for 2011. It
also shows the pollutants covered and the type of samplers/monitors installed.
Table 6. Air Quality Monitoring Capacity by Region (2011)

Region

TSP

Central
Office
NCR

I
II
III

CAR

IVA
IVB
V

VI

VII
VIII

IX

Parameters measured and methodology/sampler used


Type of
NO2,
Type of sampler and
Type of sampler
sampler/monito PM10
SO2,
number
and number
r and number
O3
DOAS (4)-open path;

Low Volume Sampler (1)

BTX-CO
High Volume
BAM RT w/ PM 2.5 (3)
(HV) sampler

High Volume Sampler (5)


(10)
HV sampler (2)

Low Volume Sampler (1)


HV sampler (1)

Low Volume Sampler (1) *


HV sampler (3)

Dichotomous PM 10/2.5(1)*
CAMS/DOAS (1)HV sampler (1)

TEOM (1)RT

open path
HV sampler (3)

BAM RT w/ PM 2.5 (3)


HV sampler (2)

Low Volume Sampler (1)


HV sampler (3)

Low Volume Sampler (1) *


CAMS/DOAS (1)
HV sampler (3)

Low Volume Sampler (1)


open path
HV sampler (3)

High Volume Sampler (2)

DOAS (1)-open path


HV sampler (1)

Low Volume Sampler (1)


HV sampler (3)

X1

Low Volume Sampler (1) *

TEOM (1)RT

XI

HV sampler (4)

Low Volume Sampler (1) *

XII
CARAGA

HV sampler (3)
HV sampler (2)

Low Volume Sampler (1) *


Low Volume Sampler (1) *

DOAS (1) open


path
Manual Method/3Gas Sampler (1)

Notes:
TEOM - Continuous Particulate Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM) which is part of the CAMS
BAM - Beta Attenuation Monitor
CAMS - Continuous ambient monitoring station equipped with monitors for NO2, SO2, and Ozone
DOAS - Differential Optical Absorption Spectrometer - Open Path Analyzer
Low Volume Sampler - (Partisol)
1
No data reported in 2008 due to the breakdown of samplers
*

For repair/maintenance/No Data

RT

REAL-TIME

Page | 37

Figure 20. National Network of Existing Monitoring Stations

Aside from EMB regional offices, some cities also conduct their own air quality monitoring
activities funded from internal city funds or international projects, as in the case of Iloilo and
Cagayan de Oro.
EMB-DENR is planning to expand the air quality monitoring activities in the country (Table
8).The bureau aims to install at least one PM2.5 monitoring station each for highly urbanized
cities by 2013.
Page | 38

Figure 21 maps the proposed monitoring set-up for Metro Manila. Three stations are up for
restoration while ten stations are being proposed to be set up, one each in Caloocan, Navotas,
San Juan, Pasig, Pateros, Pasay, Paranaque, and Las Pias.
Table 7. PM10Monitoring Stations by Most Populated City Required vs. Actual Number
Required No. of Stations
Rank
Cities/
Actual No. of
of
Population
Low
Medium
Municipalities
PM10 Stations
City
Concentrations
Concentrations
1
Quezon City
2,761,720
24
4-8
4
2
Manila
1,652,171
24
4-8
1
3
Caloocan
1,489,040
24
4-8
0
4
Davao
1,449,296
24
4-8
4
5
Cebu
866,171
1-2
2-4
2
6
Zamboanga
807,129
1-2
2-4
3
7
Antipolo
677,741
1-2
2-4
0
8
Pasig
669,773
1-2
2-4
1
9
Taguig
644,473
1-2
2-4
0
10
CDO
602,088
1-2
2-4
4
Reference:US Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 40 Part 58-Ambient Air Quality Surveillance Subpart G
Notes: Medium concentration refers to PM10ambient concentrations exceeding 80 percent of the
PM10NAAQS.Low concentration refers to PM10 ambient concentrations less than 80 percent of the
PM10NAAQS.

Page | 39

Figure 21. Proposed Air Quality Monitoring Set-up in Metro Manila

3.2. Air Quality Trends


Out of 17 regions, only 7 regions are capable of PM10 monitoring. The station located in
Caloocan has the highest recording of PM10at 167 g/Nm3. Another station with high levels of
PM10 is at MRT-Pasay-Taft station where the annual average reading of 2010 was at130
g/Nm3.

Page | 40

Figure 22 indicates the data readings per station. Seven of these stations exceeded the air
quality guidelinevalues. PM2.5 monitoring started in the last quarter of 2011 for NCR.

Figure 22. PM10 Levels per Station

Only 7 regions have complete data on TSP emissions for 2010 and 2011. Most TSP readings
per region are sparsely distributed, except for Region 12. In terms of geometric mean, Region 9
and NCR have the highest TSP levels and Region 12 the lowest TSP levels for both 2010 and
2011. Although TSP readings have declined since 2004, all exceeded the air quality guideline
value of 90g/m3.

Page | 41

Figure 23. TSP Levels per Region (2010-2011)

SO2and NO2 data were only available forCebu, Cagayan de Oro, and CAR. Cebu has the
highest levels from 2007 to 2011 for SO2, but it has steadily declined over the years. SO 2 levels
in CAR have declined but only marginally, while levels in Cagayan de Oro reached its highest in
2008 before declining as well(Figure 24. Annual Average SO2 levels for Cebu, CAR and
Cagayan de Oro (2007-2011)
Meanwhile, CAR had the highest NO 2 reading of all three; however, the data did not meet the
required 75% capture rate per year. All three cities are compliant with long-term guideline
values of RA 8749 for SO2 and NO2.

16
14

ug/Nm3

12
10

Cebu

CAR

Cagayan de Oro

4
2

0
2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Figure 24. Annual Average SO2 levels for Cebu, CAR and Cagayan de Oro (2007-2011)

Page | 42

Note: CAR station is located on the roadside while CDO and Cebu Stations are at ambient locations.

90
80

70
ug/Nm3

60

50

Cebu

40

CAR

30

Cagayan de Oro

20
10
0
2007

2008

2009

2010

Figure 25. Annual Average NO2 levels for Cebu, CAR and Cagayan de Oro (2007-2011)
Note: CAR did not meet the required 75% capture rate per year andCAR station is located on the
roadside while CDO and Cebu Stations are at ambient locations.

Page | 43

4. IMPACTS OF AIR POLLUTION


4.1. Impacts on Health
A large number of studies have demonstrated that air pollution is associated with a range of
adverse health outcomes, ranging from mortality to subclinical respiratory symptoms. The World
Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes 3.12 million premature deaths
worldwide - 1.15 million due to urban outdoor air pollution and 1.97 million due to indoor air
pollution (WHO, 2009). The morbidity and mortality risks due to air pollution are also highest in
developing countries. An international review of various health-air pollution studies also
concluded that the risks are even higher if you live within 300-500 meters from major
thoroughfares.21
In the Philippines, there are a few studies conducted by different organizations which look into
the relationship of health and air pollution. This exercise, however is not conducted on a regular
basis so studies may be conducted for different years, different scopes and using different
methodologies.
Data from the Philippine Health Statistics expressed that 4 out of 10 leading causes of morbidity
in 2008 was attributed to air pollution, i.e. acute respiratory infection, acute lower respiratory
tract infection and pneumonia, bronchitis, and heart diseases.
In 2008, 65,887 (4%) out of 1,647,178 cases of acute respiratory infection, 327,684 (42%) out of
780,199 cases of acute respiratory tract infection and pneumonia, 218,325 (42%) of 519,821
cases of bronchitis, and 5,207 (16%) out of 32,541 cases of heart diseases were attributed by
the Department of Health to air pollution.22
In 2010, 1,948 (17%) cases and 1,561 deaths out of 11,458 cases and 9,184 deaths from all
medical causes were attributed by the Philippine Cancer Society to air pollution, having an
attributable fraction of 17%.
The total direct costs of the effects of particulate matter on respiratory health due to exceeding
air quality guidelines in Metro Manila alone amounted to PHP368.8 million and PHP400 million
in 2004 and 2007, respectively. 23Air pollution, along with poor sanitation and water pollution
among other environmental problems, contributed to an estimated 22% of reported cases of
diseases and nearly 6% of deaths. It also cost about PHP14 billion (US$ 287 million) per year in
lost income and medical expenses in the country.24
The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) reported that based
on reports from their members, respiratory-related market movement in the country increased

21

HEI Special Report 17: HEI Panel on the Health Effects of Traffic-Related Air Pollution, 2010. Traffic-Related Air Pollution: A critical Review of
the Literature on Emissions, Exposure, and Health Effects. HEI Boston, Massachusetts, USA
22Department of Health. 2011.
23Estanislao, Manapat, Pabila, et.al. 2011. Respiratory Disease and Varying PM
2.5 and PM10 Concentrations in Metro Manila from 2000-2007..
24 WHO, 2011. Philippines Country Profile 2011. http://www.wpro.who.int/countries/phl/26PHLpro2011_finaldraft.pdf

Page | 44

by 9.39% in 2011 at PHP 14.983 billionas compared to 2010 figures at PHP13.697 billion. Both
figures are more than double of the 2000 figures at PHP5.939 Billion. The relationship of the
medicine market with air pollution impacts on health however have not been studied to date.

4.2. Impacts on Agriculture


Air pollution especially ozone has been known to affect agricultural yield of some crops such as
rice 25, tomato and pumpkin.26In some Asian countries, crop yield has already decreased by
between 5 and 35%. Studies estimate that the yield of rice, wheat, and legumes Asias staple
cropswill decrease even more as ozone production is expected to increase rapidly.27 In the
Philippines, rice and corn are common agricultural produce that could be affected by air
pollution.
There are no existing studies in the country to date on the correlation of air pollution and
agricultural yield but this report looked into the yield trends of rice and corn. Rice and corn yield
for 2011 were one of or the highest since 2000. Corn yield fluctuated and grew very slowly
(Figure 26) while rice yield had a more stable slow growth for the same period (Figure 27).

3.50
3.00

2.50
2.00
1.50
1.00
0.50
0.00
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Figure 26. Corn Yield in tons per hectare (2000-2011)
Source: Bureau of Agricultural Statistics

25

Mauzerall, Denise. The Adverse Impact of Surface Ozone on Agricultural Crops. 2002
http://www.giss.nasa.gov/meetings/pollution2002/present/4_mauzerall.pdf
26http://cleanairinitiative.org/portal/system/files/articles-60278_presentation.pdf
27http://www.sei-international.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/Climate/food_security_ozone_climate_policybrief.pdf

Page | 45

4.50
4.00

3.50
3.00
2.50
2.00
1.50
1.00
0.50
0.00
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Figure 27. Rice Yield in tons per hectare (2000-2011)
Source: Bureau of Agricultural Statistics

4.3. Other Impacts


Episodic pollution causing poor visibility has been an issue of concern during the New Years
celebrations (Figure 28). For many years now, the Manila Observatory has also been
conducting special air quality monitoring activities (for PM10 and PM2.5) around Metro Manila to
measure the effect of fireworks and firecrackers on ambient air.

Page | 46

Figure 28. Poor Visibility at 9 a.m. on 1 January 2012


(courtesy of Abby Favis)

PM2.5 levels during New Year s Eve (sampled between 12PM on 31 December to 12 PM on 1
January) often exceeded 24-hour WHO and USEPA guidelines (Error! Not a valid bookmark selfreference.). The Philippines does not have any ambient air quality standard on PM 2.5. 30 out of
50 samples collected were Hazardous to Health (>210 g/m 3) based on the USEPA Air Quality
Index for PM2.5 while samples from the outskirts of Metro Manila were deemed Unhealthy for
the General Population.

Figure 29. New Year PM2.5 Concentrations (2003-2012)


Source: Manila Observatory, 2012
Page | 47

Table 8 compares TSP monitoring data from New Years celebrations in 2011 and in 2012. Inthe
New Years Eve of 2011, only 6 out of 9 stations in Metro Manila exceeded the guideline values
but in New Years Eve of 2012, all of the stations exceeded the same guideline values.
The EMB reported that the significant increase in TSP levels between 2011 and 2012 was
aggravated by prevailing weather conditions in NCR before and after the 2012 New Years
Celebration. They observed that unfavourable weather conditions such as low ambient
temperature, low wind velocity, low hanging clouds (fogs), and others triggered the air pollution
episode that eventually contributed to poor visibility, which in turn resulted in the cancellation,
diversion or delay of flights (Table 9). While there are no available cost estimates to monetize
the cost of flight cancelations, diversions and delays to airlines and airports, these have also
caused inconveniences for the passengers and their well-wishers.
Table 8. TSP levels during New Year (2011 & 2012)
STATION
New Year 2011
New Year 2012

430
540

130
205

206
421

5
g/Nm3
185
252
363
415

350
469

289
832

281
630

361
424

% Increase from 2011 to


125
157
204
196
164
134
287
224
117
2012
TSP 24-hour guideline value is 230 g/Nm3
Data is based on average values for monitoring conducted within 6 days before and after 31 December
and 1 January
Table 9. Number of Flights Affected by Poor Visibility (New Year 2011 & 2012)
NAIA
2010-2011
Terminal
Cancelled
Diverted
Delayed
I
0
0
6
II
7
0
19
III
N/A
N/A
N/A
Source: Manila International Airports Authority (MIAA)

Cancelled
0
0
23

2011-2012
Diverted
0
0
4

Delayed
0
90
289

Despite availability of long-term air quality monitoring data during the days leading to or after the
New Years eve, there has yet to be a study that correlates firecrackers, air quality and health
and other impacts in the country. The existing air quality monitoring only covers particulate
concentrations but no research yet on levels of heavy metal concentrations potentially affected
by heavy metal components of fireworks. The special episodic monitoring is also limited to New
Years Eve and none during special events which use fireworks and firecrackers like Lunar New
Year or Pyrolympics.

Page | 48

5. AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT


The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through the EMB,is the lead
agency in the implementation and enforcement of RA 8749. Other departments share in this
mandate through the regulation of sector activities or products affecting air quality. These
include the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Transportation and Communication
(DOTC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Interior and Local
Government (DILG). The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provides research
and development (R&D) support in various areas. As mandated by RA 8749, local government
units play an important role in the management and maintenance of air quality within their
territorial jurisdiction. Through the years, international development organizations and civil
societies have made significant contribution in attaining milestones for the improvement of air
quality in the country.
This section will provide an overview of the achievements and challenges in addressing
pollution from different sources categorized according to stationary, mobile and area sources.
In some instances, the challenges areas for improvement may be highlighted in boxes for easy
reference when they are tackled in the Recommendations Section, otherwise these are
integrated in the main text.

5.1. Ambient Air Quality Management


5.1.1. Air Quality Guideline Values and Standards
The Clean Air Act established the National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values (NAAQGV) to
protect public health and safety, and general welfare. These were based on the
USEnvironmental Protection Agency, European Union, World Health Organization (WHO) air
quality guidelines or standards applicable at that time RA 8749 was drafted and adopted. WHO
guidelines are designed to offer guidance in reducing the health impacts of air pollution, to
inform policymakers, and to provide appropriate targets for a broad range of policy options for
air quality management in different parts of the world. 28
Table 10. Comparison of Philippine NAAQGV and WHO Air Quality Guidelines
Pollutant
PM10
PM2.5
TSP
NO2

28

Average Time
24-hour
Annual
24-hour
Annual
24-hour
Annual
1-hour
24-hour
Annual

NAAQGVa
150
60
230
90
150
-

WHO Guidelinesa
50
20
25
10
200
40

World Health Organization. 2006. WHO Air quality guidelines: particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide

Page | 49

Pollutant

Average Time
10-minute
1-hour
SO2
24-hour
Annual
1-hour
O3
8-hour
24-hour
1-hour
CO
8-hour
3-month
Pb
Annual
a
Values with unit g/Nm3, except for CO

NAAQGVa
180
80
140
60
35,000
10,000
1.5
1.0

WHO Guidelinesa
500
20
100
30,000
10,000
0.5

The WHO introduced the concept of Interim Targets in its 2006 Revision of Ambient Air Quality
Guidelines to provide the principle of continuous air quality improvement. In other countries, the
standards are promulgated years in advance but may be for implementation at a later stage,
allowing different sectors enough time to prepare for implementation. The Philippines may
review its standards and consider updating of the guideline values within such or similar
framework.
5.1.2. Airshed Management
Airsheds are designated areas with similar climate, weather, meteorology and topology which
affect the interchange and diffusion of pollutants in the atmosphere. They are also areas which
share common interest or face similar development programs, prospects or problems. 29As of
2011, there are 20 airsheds established in the Philippines. Table 11provides more details on
each airshed.
Activities under the airsheds include meeting with multi-stakeholders per airshed, broadening
the regular ambient air monitoring areas in the airshed, providing updates/briefing of issues
related to air quality management, rendering of briefing of tasks and roles of new members of
the governing board, and conducting awareness-raising on the importance of air quality
management to the public.
A key challenge to maximizing the activities of and benefits from airshed management is the
lack of technical assistance and capacity which can be supplemented and supported through
academic, NGO and development assistance.
Table 11. Airsheds per Region (2011)
Region
NCR

CAR

29

Name of
Airshed
National
Capital Region
Airshed
BLIST Airshed

DAO/MC No. and


Date Signed
DAO No. 11, Series
of 2011 dated Oct.
19, 2011
MC No. 2002-03

Coverage
CR-Makati, Val., East Ave., EDSA-NPO, Ateneo,
Mandaluyong, Manila, Pasig, MRT (17 cities)
City of Baguio and Municipalities of La Trinidad,

Clean Air Act Rule XV, Section 2

Page | 50

Region

Name of
Airshed

Northeastern
Pangasinan
Airshed

II

Metro
Tuguegarao
(PIESTTA)
Airshed
BulacanPampangaBataan
Airshed
MakilingBanahaw
(Mak-Ban)
Geothermal
Airshed
Cavite-RizalLaguna
Airshed
Baco-NaujanCalapan
Airshed

III

IV-A

IV-B

VI
VII

VIII

IX

Naga City
Airshed

DAO/MC No. and


Date Signed
dated Feb. 12, 2003
DAO No. 07, Series
of 2004 dated Mar.
23, 2004

DAO No. 05, Series


of 2004 dated Mar.
23, 2004
DAO No. 11, Series
of 2011 dated Oct.
19, 2011
DAO No. 02, Series
of 2009 dated Feb.
11, 2009

DAO No. 11, Series


of 2011 dated Oct.
19, 2011
DAO 02, Series of
2006 dated Jan. 16,
2006; published Jan.
19, 2006
DAO No. 2003-33
dated July 14, 2003

Bacon-Manito
(Bac-Man)
Geothermal
Airshed
Metropolitan
Iloilo Airshed
Southern
Negros
Geothermal
Airshed
Metro Cebu
Airshed

DAO No. 11, Series


of 2004 dated May
18, 2004

Leyte
Geothermal
Airshed
Zamboanga
Airshed

DAO No. 12, Series


of 2004 dated May
18, 2004
DAO No. 47, Series
of 2003 dated Sept.
30, 2003

Coverage
Itogon, Tuba and Sabang
Binalonan, Binmaley, Calasiao, Dagupan City,
Jacinto, Laoac, Lingayen, Malasiqui, Manaoag,
Mangaldan, Mapandan, Pozorrubio, San Carlos
City, San Fabian, San Manula, Sta. Barbara,
Sison, Urdaneta City
Peablanca, Iguig, Enrile, Solana, Tuguegarao
City, Tuao, Amulong

Pampanga- one Ecozone, 1 city & 20


municipalities;
Bataan 10 municipalities;
Bulacan 16 municipalities & 1 city
Laguna Limao, Calauan; San Andres, Alaminos;
Sta. Cruz, Bay; and Bagong Silang, Los Baos;
Batangas Sta Elena, Sto. Tomas
Cavite 21 municipalities & 1 city;
Laguna 4 municipalities & 1 city;
Rizal 14 municipalities & 1 city
Baco, Naujan Municipalities and Calapan City

Abella, Balatas, Bagumban Norte, Bagumbayan


Sur, Carolina, Lerma, Liboton, Pacol, Sta. Cruz,
Concepcion
Grande,
Mabolo,
Concepcion
Pequea, Sabang, San Isidro, Dayangdang,
Dinaga, Triangulo, Del Rosario, Tabuco,
Cararayan,
Panicuason,
Tinago,
Igualdad,
Peafrancia, Calauag, San Felipe and San
Francisco
Latitude:125958.0897-13437.2524
Longitude:1235141.182-1235932.0355

DAO No. 2005-11


dated Jun. 10, 2005
DAO No. 14, Series
of 2004 dated May
18, 2004

Oton, Pavia, Leganes, San Miguel, Iloilo City

DAO No. 2002-21


dated Oct. 17, 2002

Cities of Mandaue, Cebu, Lapu-lapu and Talisay;


Municipalities of Naga, Minglanilla, Cordova,
Liloan, Compostela and Consolacion
Latitude:110514.1879-111217.1161
Longitude:1233620.0000-124419.6469

Latitude:91538.2244-9205.4437
Longitude:123718.0068-1231245.2140

A. City Proper (Zone II, III, IV)


B.
North-West Coast Area (Ayala, Canelar,
Recodo, Baliwasan, Capisan, San Ramon,

Page | 51

Region

Name of
Airshed

Cagayan de
Oro Airshed

XI

Davao City
Airshed
North
Cotabato
Geothermal
Airshed
South
Cotabato
Airshed
Agusan Del
Norte Airshed

XII

CARAGA

DAO/MC No. and


Date Signed

DAO No. 45, Series


of 2003 dated Sept.
12, 2003
MC No. 2003-02
dated Feb. 12, 2003
DAO No. 13, Series
of 2004 dated May
18, 2004
DAO No. 2004-22
dated Aug. 3, 2004
DAO No. 2003-16,
Jun. 6, 2003

Coverage
Baluno,
Cawit,
Caragasan,
San
Roque,
Cabatangan, Sinunuc, Calarian, La Paz, Sta.
Maria, Camino Nuevo, Maasin, Sto. Nio, Pitogo,
Tulungatung, Malagutay, Talisayan, Pamucutan,
Upper Pasonanca (Dulian), Pasonanca)
East Coast Area (Arena Blanco, Lumayan,
Sangali, Boalan, Lumbangan, Sta. Catalina,
Cabaluay, Cacao Lunzuran, Talabaan, Mampang,
Talon-Talon Loop, Divisoria, Mariki, Taluksangay,
Guisao, Mercedes, Tetuan, Guiwan, Pasobolon,
Tugbunga,
Kasanyangan,
Putik,
Tumaga,
Lamisahan, Rio Hondo, Victoria, Lampacan,
Salaan, Zambowood, Lanzones)
Cagayan de Oro City and Municipalities of
Jasaan, Villanueva, Tagoloan, Opol and El
Salvador
Whole area of Davao City
Latitude: 6599.3947-7240.3374
Longitude: 1251213.3856-1251519.7223

Gen. Santos City, Koronadal City, Tupi,


Palomolok, Tampakan, Tantangan, Banga,
Surallah, Norala, Sto. Nino, Tboli, Lake Sebu
Butuan City, Buenavista, Cabadbaran, Carmen,
Jabonga, Kitcharo, Las Nieves, Magallanes,
Nasipit, Santiago, Tubay, and Remedios T.
Romualdez

5.1.3. Air Quality Management Fund


Pursuant to Section 14 of RA 8749, the Air Quality Management Fund (AQMF) was established
as a special account in the National Treasury administered and managed by the DENR through
EMB. A third of the AQMF is normally reserved for national purposes while two-thirds is
allocated to airshed management. The Fund finances: 1) containment, removal and clean-up
operations of the government in air pollution cases; 2) restoration of ecosystems and
rehabilitation of areas affected by violators of RA 8749; 3) research, enforcement and
monitoring activities, and capability-building of implementing agencies; and 4) provision of
technical assistance to implementing agencies to finance similar activities undertaken within an
airshed.
In 2010, out of the PHP27.95 millionthat was deposited from the LTO and EMB as funds, only
PHP17.92 million were certified by the Bureau of Treasury for release. Deposited funds went
down to PHP 22.73 million in 2011 all of which have yet to be certified for release.
From 2002 to 2011, the collections for AQMFwere highest in 2006 at PHP54.45 million, followed
by 2005 with PHP48.49 million and 2007 with PHP43.37 Million(Table 12). Deposited
Page | 52

collections came mostly from the LTO, which had a percent share of 76.5% of the grand total
(PHP 221.69 million of PHP289.79 million).

LTO
(in million
PHP)

YEAR

EMB
(in million
PHP)

2002

0.82

2003

3.62

Millions

Table 12. Total Deposits and Certifiable Available Funds made by EMB and LTO under the AQMF
in Million Pesos (PHP) (2002-2011)
350
300

250
200

2004

26.98

8.20

2005

33.01

15.48

150

2006

40.36

14.09

100

2007

29.62

13.76

2008

31.79

4.04

2009

13.90

4.14

2010

24.62

3.33

2011

21.41

1.35

TOTAL

221.69

68.10

GRAND TOTAL

50
0

LTO

EMB

289.79

A Special Allotment Request Order (SARO) was released to implement activities under RA
8749, chargeable to the AQMF. In 2008, the SARO (SARO-BMB-E-08-0012399) which
amounted to PHP 60.95 million (for Maintenance, Operations and Other Expenses [MOOE]:
PHP 27.49 million and for Capital Outlay: PHP 38.46 million) was released on November 21,
2008 (Table 13).
The released AQMF financed the following activities:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Operationalization of Air Shed;


Setting-up of automatic Air Quality Monitoring Stations;
Conduct of capacity-building of Local Government Units by EMB;
Vehicular emission control activities such as Private Emissions Testing Center (PETC)
Monitoring and Anti-Smoke Belching Operations;
5. Ambient air quality health impact assessment;
6. Monitoring of smaller particulates (PM10, PM2.5); and
7. Determination of principal sources of apportionment pollution.
Table 13. Summary of Special Allotment Request Order for 2008 in Philippine Pesos (000 PHP)

EMB OFFICE

Maintenance, Operating and


Other Expenses (MOOE)

Central Office
NCR

6,314
564

AMOUNT (000 PHP)


Capital Outlay
(CO)
29,850
100

TOTAL
36,164
664

Page | 53

CAR
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Region 4A
Region 4B
Region 5
Region 6
Region 7
Region 8
Region 9
Region 10
Region 11
Region 12
Region 13
TOTAL
OTHER
GOVERNMENT
AGENCIES

963
964
444
564
564
444
964
964
964
444
444
964
963
443
443
17,414
MOOE

CO

LTO
DOST-PNRI
DOH-NCPDC
TOTAL
LOCAL
GOVERNMENT
UNITS
Quezon City
Makati City
Muntinlupa City
Mandaluyong City
TOTAL

4,790
1,735
1,500
8,025

210
560
0
770
AMOUNT

MOOE

CO

TOTAL

526
720
254
550
2,050
27,489

476
0
75
688
1,239
33,459

1,002
720
329
1,238
3,289
60,948

GRAND TOTAL

100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
31,450
AMOUNT

1,063
1,064
544
664
664
544
1,064
1,064
1,064
544
544
1,064
1,063
543
543
48,864
TOTAL
5,000
2,295
1,500
8,795

Note: MOOE = Maintenance, Operating and Other Expenses; CO = Capital Outlay

Since 2008, the AQMF faced a number of challenges which often lead to delay or nondisbursement of AQMF.
a. Delayed issuance ofNational Cash Allotment
b. Late submission of liquidation report
c. Non-submission of liquidation report resulting to non-processing of 2nd tranche
release
d. Withdrawal of intention to pursue project
e. Cancellation of project due to national disasters
A fund similar to the AQMF is the Road Board fund which has earmarked a Special Vehicle
Pollution Control Fund.
Page | 54

5.2. Management of Stationary Sources


5.2.1. Regulations and Policies
The DENR is mandated to draft regulations and policies in support of managing stationary
sources under RA 8749. For the period 2010-2011, the following DENR Administrative Orders
(DAOs) were published:
1. Guidelines on the Use of Alternative Fuels and Raw Materials in Cement Kilns (DAO
2010-06);
2. Re-designation of the Metro Manila Airshed into three individual Airsheds and
establishment of their Governing Board (DAO 2011-11); and
3. Clarificatory Guideline on DAO 2000-81, Part VI, Rule XIX, Section 13 of the IRR of RA
8749 (Memorandum Circular [MC] 2011-004)
Meanwhile, the DOE has started the process on the update/revision of the Fuel Quality
Standards for Stationary and Mobile Sources. A draft of the update is expected by 2012 for
finalization and promulgation.
5.2.2. Status of Enforcement and Implementation
Monitoring and enforcement of policies and regulations related to stationary sources is primarily
done through EMB Regional Offices (ROs). ROs survey, permit and monitor firms, furnish
information on the levels of criteria pollutants to local government units (LGUs), provide
technical assistance to stakeholders, and conduct information, education and communication
(IEC) activities.
Meanwhile, companies and industries are mandated by RA 8749 to conduct routine monitoring
of their emissions. This is usually carried out by a DENR-EMB-accredited Third Party source
emission testing firm, or by installing a Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS). Prior
to operations, firms are required to secure a Permit to Operate (PTO) for each source,
designate a Pollution Control Officer (PCO) to oversee all appropriate duties regarding the
operation of the air pollution source in control facilities, and submit quarterly self-monitoring
reports (SMRs) to the DENR. Non-compliance with emission standards result in the issuance of
a Notice of Violation (NOV) by the DENR, who is tasked to conduct inspections to check
compliance with regulations.
Based on the regional reports submitted by 5 regions, a total of 142 NOVs and 2,432 PTOs
were issued in 2010-2011. Two cases resulting in a dismissal and an issuance of a Cease and
Desist Order (CDO) were filed at the Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) in 2010 while 3 cases
were filed in 2011 resulting in an issuance of a CDO, a final lifting order, and a temporary lifting
order.
The Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS) is an equipment stipulated in the IRR of
RA 8749 (DAO 2000-81) used to sample, analyze, measure, and provide a permanent record of
Page | 55

relevant regulated polluted emissions for stack gas volumetric flow rate by recording readings at
least once every 15 minutes.
The EMB is also responsible for the process of accrediting firms to conduct stack testing. As of
2010, EMB has approved a total of eight (8) Accredited Third Party stack testing firms five (5)
were accredited in 2009 and three(3) more were accredited in 2010. By 2011, the total number
of accredited firms now totals to 16after 4 firms were renewed and 4 more were accredited.
Aside from the EMB, the different LGUs have also implemented systems that aim to manage
emissions from stationary sources such as manufacturing plants, companies and businesses
operating within their boundaries. In most cases, the LGU activities are complementary to EMB
initiatives but in other instances, companies are burdened by duplicate requirements in these
two different government organizations examples include submission of self-monitoring
reports; or reports of third-party emissions/air quality monitoring work.

5.3. Management of Mobile Sources


5.3.1. Regulations and Policies
In relation to mobile sources, the following DAOs and Department Circulars were released in
2010 and 2011:
1. Revised Emission Standards for Motor Vehicles Equipped with Compression-Ignition
and Spark Ignition Engines (DAO 2010-23);
2. Revised Emission Limits/Standards for Motorcycles/Tricycles and Mopeds (DAO 201024); and,
3. Mandatory Bioethanol Blending (Department Circular No. 2011-002-001).
Meanwhile, pursuant to the Biofuels Act of 2006, the DOE has implemented on August 6, 2011
the mandated ten percent (10%) blend of bioethanol by volume into all gasoline fuel distributed
and sold by each and every oil company in the country, with exemption of certain gasoline
grades (Department Circular No. 2011-002-001).
It has also begun reviewing the standards for Ethanol-Gasoline fuel mixture (E10) and fatty acid
methyl ester (FAME)-Blended Diesel (B2) as well as discussion on the introduction of EURO 4
fuel grade.
5.3.2. Status of Enforcement and Implementation
Local government units also assist in addressing pollution from mobile sources through their
anti-smoke belching programs. In 2011, 60,444 vehicles underwent smoke-belching tests in
Metro Manila. All of the vehicles (100%) tested in Makati City and Mandaluyong, and (97%) of
the vehicles tested in Muntinlupa failed to meet the anti-smoke belching requirements. Quezon
City had the highest passing rate for the testalthough majority (57.3%) of the tested vehicles
also failed (Table 14).

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Table 14. Anti-Smoke Belching Test Results (2011)


OFFICES

PASSED

FAILED

TOTAL TESTED

% FAILED

% PASSED

Quezon City
Pasig City
Manila City
Mandaluyong City
Muntinlupa City
MMDA
EMB-NCR
Makati City
Grand Total
Source: EMB

8,006
3,174
2,789
0
84
1,015
863
0
15,931

10,724
5,861
7,404
7,908
3,349
2,379
1,674
5,214
44,513

18,730
9,035
10,193
7,908
3,433
3,394
2,537
5,214
60,444

57.3
64.9
72.6
100.0
97.6
70.1
66.0
100.0
73.6

42.7
35.1
27.4
0.0
2.4
29.9
34.0
0.0
26.4

The LTO also conducts roadside apprehensions to accost smoke-belching vehicles. From 2000
to 2008, LTO recorded the highest number of apprehensions in 2006 (Figure 30). In some
instances, the ordinances of local government units are in conflict with anti-smoke belching
efforts of LTO or of adjacent cities/municipalities.
200,000

150,000
100,000
50,000
0
May Dec
2000

Jan to
Dec
2001

Jan to
Dec
2002

Jan to
Dec
2003

Jan to
Dec
2004

Jan to
Dec
2005

Jan to
Dec
2006

Jan to
Dec
2007

Jan to
Dec
2008

Figure 30. Number of Apprehensions (2000-2008)


Source: LTO

On August 2011,Air Quality Management Section (AQMS) personnel of EMB conducted garage
emission testing of public utility buses (PUBs) operating in Metro Manila. Fourteen bus
terminals, with a total of 840 authorized vehicles, were visited. Out of the 840 vehicles, 191 units
(22.74%) were tested - 175 vehicles (91.62%) found to be in compliance with the standards,
while sixteen units (8.38%) failed to comply.
It was observed that compliance to emission standards is not dependent on the age of the
engine as long as proper preventive maintenance system is undertaken on a regular basis. As
part of the Linis Hangin Program a seminar/training on Fuel Efficiency and Motor Vehicle
Preventive Maintenance was conducted to educate bus operators, drivers and mechanics on
the proper preventive maintenance processes.
As part of the certification process, pursuant to Chapter II Section 22 of the RA 8749 and Part
IX, Rule XXXI of DAO 2000-81 (IRR of RA 8749), a Certificate of Conformity (COC) is issued to
Page | 57

all brand new motor vehicles that comply with the emission limits prescribed by the regulation.
The AQMS sets a target of releasing 300 COCs to brand new motorcycles and motor vehicles
for 2010 and 300 COC for 2011. In 2010, a total of 329 COCs were issued (76 for motorcycles,
253 for motor vehicles) while in 2011, 317 COCs were released (95 for motorcycles, 222 for
motor vehicles).
As part of regular motor vehicle registration process, vehicles are subject to annual emissions
testing through PETCs. Despite previous and on-going programs to rid the process of graft and
corruption practices, it is unfortunate that vehicle non-appearance for emissions testing and
other similar activities are still common.
The DOE has also started validation test of E-10 compatibility with motorcycles in 2010.

5.4. Management of Area Sources


5.4.1. Regulations and Policies
Area sources of pollution are by nature complicated to manage because of the lack of distinct
points for regulation such as a stack for stationary sources and tailpipe for mobile sources. Area
sources encompass diverse activities and sectors construction, forest fire, biomass or
garbage burning, fireworks/firecrackers use, among others.
The regulations and policies to reduce pollution from area sources may also be covered by
other laws e.g. ban on waste burning under the National Solid Waste Management Act of
2003, or construction permit systems by local government units.
5.4.2. Status of Enforcement and Implementation
The Linis Hangin Program of the DENR has three components: Bantay Tambutso, Bantay
Tsimineya, and Bantay Sunog-Basura, which cater to three specific sources of air pollution.
Under the Bantay Sunog-Basura program is the banning of open burning, which has been an
identified area source of air pollutants. Several regions already have LGUs implementing this,
such as Region 3, Region 5, Region 6, and Region 10. However, as some regions reported,
while there have been efforts to enforce it, in some regions, there were no legal processes in
place to sustainably mitigate open burning. Region 6 identified the lack of ordinances,
complaints, or investigations.
A key challenge to enforcing measures on area sources is the assumed yet indistinct mandates
or the lack of strong collaborations with other agencies on related measures e.g. ban on
firecrackers by DOH which looks into the regulation of firecrackers from the perspective of
safety as compared to environmental health.

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5.5. Environmental Education and Awareness Initiatives


From 2010 to 2011, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), through its Environmental
Education and Information Division (EEID), has initiated, in partnership with the EMBs Air
Quality Management Section (AQMS), other government agencies, private organizations, and
the civil society, three major public awareness and education campaigns on air quality
management, all under the Linis Hangin program.
The Clean Air Ten Forum Series
The EMB-EEID has been working in close coordination with the Partnership for Clean Air for
this series of Clean Air 10 Forum being held annually since 2009 for government agencies, local
government, business and the civil society merge to exchange insights to strengthen campaigns
and programs for better air quality as demanded by the Philippines Clean Air Act.
The Clean Air 10 Plus One Forum held in 2010 was organized with the theme, Moving the
Clean Air 10 Declaration: A Step Forward and the two-day Clean Air 10+2 Forum held in 2011
was with the theme, Strengthening Partnerships towards Cleaner Air and Climate Action. Both
forum stressed the need to strengthen partnerships and coordinated action toward cleaner air.
The Text Brigade Campaign
In order to beef-up the present Anti-Smoke Belching operation in Metro Manila, EMB, in
partnership with telecommunications giants SMART Inc. and Globe Telecommunications, came
up with the Text Brigade Campaign involving the general public via MMS (Multi-media
Messaging Service). Under the campaign, Globe subscribers may report smoke belching
vehicles through text messaging by typing USOK (space)<Plate Number> and sending the
information to 2327, while Smart users can text USOK FEEDBACK and the plate
number/location to 700-DENR (700-3367).
The Strengthening of the Anti-Smoke Belching Program
The EMB-EEID provided full assistance to the EMB-AQMS as DENR, through the EMB, inked
an agreement with major government agencies and a media watchdog to further strengthen its
campaign against smoke-belchers. Among the signatories of the Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA) were the DENR, DILG, DOTC, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), mayors of
Metro Manila, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), and the Philippine Medical
Association (PMA). The MOA intends to curb the widespread practice of no show certificates
of emission compliance issuances, and aims to help boost efforts in apprehending violators all
over Metro Manila.
Regional Information and Education Campaigns
Information and education campaigns have been likewise facilitated in the regions through EMB
Regional Environmental Education and Information Sections (EEIS).

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Region and Description of Activities


EMB Cordillera Administrative Region ensures the conduct of advocacy campaigns concerning the Open
Burning ban (i.e. the burning of plastics, polystyrene, rubber tires, and similar wastes), and provides a
continuous Linis Hangin Program information campaign, education, and communication campaign in the
region.
EMB Region I conducts their air quality information drive through the one-hour magazine-type
environmental radio program Ikaw at ang Kapaligiran, which is being broadcast in partnership with the
Association of the Region Information Officers (ARGIO) and the DZNL Aksyon Radio.
EMB Region II also maintains a regular radio program over the DWPE station where environmental
concepts, including the abatement of air pollution, are discussed on air. A Fun Run/Walk was also
organized, which was participated in by government agencies and the city government of Tuguegarao.
No less than the Provincial Police Officer of the Province of Cagayan led the participants. An emission
testing service for privately owned vehicles was also undertaken by a joint team from the Land
Transportation Office and EMB.
EMB Region IV-B conducted a five-kilometer Clean Air Fun Run which brought together Airshed
Governing Board members, tricycle operators and drivers, and the cyclists association of Calapan City.
The EMB regional office also conducted a vehicle emission testing, with the City Government of Calapan
as an active participant. In Region V, listeners of the weekly radio program, Marhay na Aga, Kapalibutan
(MAK), were urged to observe the celebration of November as the Philippine Clean Air Month. The said
program is co-anchored by representatives from EMB-EEIS and is aired on DBWS Radyo Veritas every
Monday, 11am to 12 noon.
EMB Region VI held the local forum series, Bisita Banwa, in several areas in Iloilo under the Metro Iloilo
Airshed to orient the public of the Philippine Clean Air Act. They have also conducted an On-the-Spot
Poster-Making Contest for children, with the theme Malinis na Hangin sa Mata ng Bata. A Walk for
Clean Air was also held at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, pooling 250 participants from the education
sector, local government units, and government agencies in Iloilo city.
EMB Region VIII has likewise encouraged all stakeholders to support the Clean Air Campaign even
beyond the November Clean Air Month celebration through the hanging of streamers and tune-up of
vehicles.
EMB Region IX, on the other hand, conducts lectures and IEC materials distribution, roadside emission
tests and mobile aircon inspection of DENR and private vehicles.
In Region X, an independent media group, the Media Advocates for Environmental Preservation (MAEP),
which consists of freelance reporters and news writers, have formed in 2008 and committed to assist the
DENR in advocacy activities. Since then, the group has been aggressive at spotting environmental
violations, immediately reporting the issues to the DENR for appropriate action. MAEP also supports and
participates in other environmental programs of the agency tree-planting and growing, clean-up and
information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign, particularly on air management issues.
IEC materials were distributed widely to elementary, secondary, tertiary, and vocational schools in Region
XII by EMB. Seminars and lectures emphasizing open burning of household wastes as contributory to air
pollution were also conducted.
EMB CARAGA had radio guestings and roadside vehicle emission tests in Butuan. Clean air streamers
were also hung at the EMB Office and in industrial establishments.

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The EMB Regional Offices also conduct basic trainings for Pollution Control Officers, and
organize various activities to celebrate the National Clean Air Month of November. The EEIDEMB has also initiated the printing of Di Ako Smoke Belcher stickers and the Smoke
Belching: Isang Tanong at Sagot booklet, and also led in the conduct of lectures to several
stakeholders of the EMB on air quality management concerns, both at the national and regional
level.

5.6. Other Stakeholder Initiatives


Achieving healthy levels of air quality requires multiple stakeholder effort and using different
mechanisms. This section lists a number of the initiatives taken by different organizations in the
period 2010-2011.
5.6.1. Cities
City, Project Name and Project Description
Makati City
Project Healthy Air in Good Indoor Environment (HANGIN)
In a collaborative project with DOH and DENR, Makati City localized environmental health monitoring by
conducting its own survey of pollutant exposure in specified stations in the city. The 2nd phase, from
February 2009 to February 2010, involved 5 stations in Makati and their corresponding health centres.
Particulate matter (PM) exposure was measured and categorized either as Good, Fair, or Unhealthy as
per DENR-EMB prescribed standards.

5.6.2. Civil Society


Organization, Project Name and Project Description
Partnership for Clean Air
Tricycle Upgrading Project
In cooperation with Mandaluyong City, Pasig City and other stakeholders, with funding support from the
Philippine Institute of Petroleum (PIP), the project swapped old 2-stroke motorcycles which emit higher
levels of CO and PM, with brand new 4-stroke motorcycles benefitting members of the Mandaluyong
Federation of Tricycles Associations (MAFETA) and the Pasig S-Tricycle Operators and Drivers
Association (TODA). The project was strongly supported by City Mayors Benhur Abalos and Bobby
Eusebio of Mandaluyong and Pasig Cities, respectively, with the aim of expanding the project scope to
more TODA members. Don Bosco Technical College provided the technical expertise while Rizal
Technical University-Kawani Multi-purpose Cooperative (RTU-KMPC) handled the financial matters and
collection of loan payments.

1st Electric Vehicle Summit

PCA, together with the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), Meralco and other
stakeholders, organized the 1st Electric Vehicle Summit in 2010. The summit brought together various
stakeholders from the private sector, academe, civil society, and government, which led to the formation
of the Electric Vehicle Alliance of the Philippines. The event tackled issues and challenges posed by the
shift of the transport industry from conventional gasoline/diesel-fed vehicles to electric-powered
automobiles - including technology, financing, policy, global perspective, and environmental benefits.

Page | 61

Eco-Waste Coalition
Iwas PapuToxic Campaign on Firecrackers
Eco-Waste complements DOHs anti-fireworks campaigns, and cites other ways the New Year can be
celebrated without turning to firecrackers that yield poisonous fumes and discards, and cause injuries and
deaths (in extreme cases). Eco-waste has partnered with the Miss Earth Foundation, Ministry of Ecology
of the Our Lady of Remedies Parish in Malate, and the Philippine Animal Welfare Society to organize
creative events for the public to understand the ill-effects of firecrackers including its impact on air quality.

Environmental Studies Institute (ESI) - Miriam College


Padyak Project
As part of its long-term advocacy for non-motorized modes of transport, ESI, together with Don Bosco
Technical College, modified the design of the pedicab to provide drive train durability, driver convenience,
passenger comfort, vehicle safety and economic viability. A prototype was fabricated and, in collaboration
with a pedicab association in Pasig, was subjected to a series of field tests. The improved design is
undergoing an incubation platform to validate its performance, possible use and adoption by
communities. The project is part of a continuing study to make the upgraded pedicab a viable product that
can offer livelihood to the marginalized sector of society, improve the air quality in areas that will be
served, address the rising cost of fuel, and mitigate climate change, while providing a sustainable form of
transport.

Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities


Blue Skies Exchange Program
CAI-Asias 5-year Exchange Program (supported by Fredskorpset-Norway) involves young professionals
from six countries which included the Philippines to gain practical skills in air quality management (AQM)
and strengthening the linkages between academic and research institutions engaged in AQM in Asia.
Filipino exchange participants conducted air quality monitoring research in the cities of Cebu, Iloilo,
Marikina and Pasig using portable equipment leased and training received from the Hong Kong
Polytechnic University; conduct air quality research for Colombo, Hong Kong, Kathmandu, and Male;
prepared air quality management policy drafts in Hanoi and Jakarta; and strengthened technical skills in
air quality monitoring including sampling analysis.

Clean Fleet Management

CAI-Asia serves as the conduit for the UNEP-TNT Clean Fleet Tookit that enables fleet managers and
other stakeholders to practice clean fleet management in Asia. In the Philippines, CAI-Asia, together with
the Philippine Business for the Environment (PBE) trained in 2009, theMeralco South Distribution
Services on clean fleet management and the use of the toolkit. Meralco SDS employed measures such
as eco-driving, better vehicle maintenance, and vehicle replacement, and reviewed and improved their
vehicle maintenance schedules and protocols. During the first half of 2010, Meralco SDS reported more
than 14% savings. The team was awarded with a special citation during the Lopez Group Business
Excellence Awards, and Meralcos successis being replicated throughout the entire company and other
affiliate companies.30

30CAI-Asia, 2010. Factsheet No. 19 Clean Fleet Management: Addressing Road Fleet Externalities. Pasig City,
Philippines.

Page | 62

5.6.3.

Private Sector

Organization, Project and Project Description


Eco-G Nanotechnology, Inc.
Eco-G3000
The Eco-G3000 is a fuel vaporizer that reduces toxic emissions from fuel combustion, such as carbon
monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrogen oxide (NOx). The system
consists of a fuel vaporizer and auxiliary tank, which work to burn the engine more efficiently and
economically. Eco-G3000 was submitted as a green technology for evaluation by the Climate Technology
InitiativePrivate Financing Advisory Network-USAID during the Clean Energy Investor Deal Flow. In
2011, it was tested on a poorly maintained jeepney by the Environment Technology Verification (ETV)
and was found to result in savings on diesel fuel and reductions in toxic emissions.

Pacific Paints (Boysen) Philippines


KNOxOUT Project: EDSA
The KNOxOUT Project is an urban renewal initiative to lessen air pollution along EDSA through largescale artworks (each 1,000 square meters). The project uses Boysens breakthrough KNOxOUT paint in
painting artworks in sequence since 2011. Cristal Activ elements in the paint transform NOx in the
atmosphere into harmless residue, hence purifying the air in the vicinity of the surfaces painted with it.
Pilipinas Shell and Pacific Paints (Boysen) Philippines
One Wall, One World Initiative
To help combat air pollution one wall at a time, Boysen spearheaded the One Wall, One World initiative
which uses its latest paint innovation KNOxOUT, the worlds first air-cleaning paint with CristalActiv
photocatalytic technology. The One Wall, One World campaign aims to have as many walls in Metro
Manila painted against pollution. In support of this initiative, Shell, which has a long standing partnership
with Boysen, is making Shell retail stations as air purifiers, in line with Shell and Boysens common
advocacy of creating a cleaner and healthier environment. 31

Maynilad Water Services, Inc.


AP and GHG Emissions Accounting
Maynilad became the first company in the Philippines to receive the ISO 14064:2006, a certification for
the verification of a companys greenhouse gas (GHG) or carbon footprint quantification and reporting
initiative. The program conducted a GHG inventory that determined the companys baseline and define
Maynilads management of its energy consumption and other activities to lower emissions. The company
is now in the process of developing a company-wide roadmap towards reducing emissions. 32

MAPECON Green Charcoal Philippines, INC. (MGCPI)


JCEL (Hydrogenated Diesel Fuel Oil)
MGCPI started commercializing its hydrogenated diesel fuel oil, JCEL, in 2011. Actual EMB tests found
JCEL to have 65% better tail pipe emissions test results compared to regular diesel, and 56% better than
the current standard for diesel-fuelled vehicles of 2.5 ppm.
31http://www.boysen.com.ph/news.do?id=10617
32http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=679826&publicationSubCategoryId=66

Page | 63

5.6.4. Development Partners


Development Partner, Project and Project Description
Asian Development Bank (ADB)
5th & 6th Asia Clean Energy Forum (ACEF)
ADB provides a knowledge-sharing platform for learning and exchange of experience on key issues in
clean energy through its annually-conducted Asia Clean Energy Forum. In 2010, the 5th Asia Clean
Energy Forum revolved around discussions on scaling up the technology transfer and diffusion process of
clean energy, best practices in and around the Asia-Pacific region, and effectively linking energy
efficiency and renewable energy projects to finance sources33. For the 6th Asia Clean Energy Forum in
2011, a diverse group of experts talked about new business models and policy drivers for the promotion
of clean energy. The forum promoted best practices in clean energy and regulation, financing and
investment, innovative business models, and energy access, as well as tackled methods that could
address the challenges in large-scale clean energy development and deployment in the region.34

World Bank (WB)


Chiller Energy Efficiency Project
In 2010 the World Bank approved the Chiller Energy Efficiency Project for the Philippines which aims to
reduce GHG emissions by replacing inefficient chillers. To advance the replacement of the chillers, the
project provides financial incentives, which is then followed by the establishment of a database that keeps
track of all data generated from individual replacement activities. The database assists in generating
reports that support Certified Emission Reduction (CER) claims.35

United States Agency for International Development (USAID)


Climate Change and Clean Energy Project (CEnergy)
CEnergy demonstrates the support of USAID to the Philippine governments progressive response to
address energy security and combat climate change. It serves as a possible vehicle for ensuring that the
various laws that have been passed are mutually complementary and supportive to the investment
community, and primarily focuses on the power and transport sectors. Implementation is carried out
through four parallel but supportive tasks to: 1) improve policy implementation; 2) improve regulatory
capacity (for the Energy Regulatory Commission); 3) promote climate change mitigation; and 4) build
public understanding and support.36

German International Cooperation (GIZ)


Clean Air for Smaller Cities
Clean Air for Smaller Cities is a project financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic
Cooperation and Development that aims to improve air quality in non-metropolitan areas of selected
Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) cities, including those in the Philippines. Iloilo and
Cagayan de Oro were selected to participate in the project. By 2010, the City of Iloilo was able to launch
33http://www.adb.org/news/events/5th-asia-clean-energy-forum-2010-meeting-technology-transfer-challenge
34http://www.adb.org/news/events/6th-asia-clean-energy-forum-2011
35http://www.worldbank.org/projects/P114119/ph-chiller-energy-efficiency-project?lang=en
36

http://philippines.usaid.gov/programs/energy-environment/climate-change-and-clean-energy-project-cenergy

Page | 64

an executive order that created the Iloilo City coalition on clean air and climate change, and submit a
Road Map report. On the same year, both cities conducted vision workshops wherein about 44
representatives from various stakeholders joined the visioning process.

5.7. International Involvement


5.7.1. Research and Development
EANET
As the National Center of the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET), the
EMB continues to conduct monitoring activities on wet deposition and dry deposition to measure
concentrations and fluxes of acidic substances deposited to the ground. In lay terms, this refers
to acid precipitation or acid rain or soil acidification.
Of the 54 wet deposition monitoring sites in the thirteen participating countries of EANET, three
sites have been established in the Philippines, namely, Metro Manila (MM), an urban site; Los
Baos (LB) in Laguna; and Mt. Sto. Tomas (MST) in Tuba, Benguet, both rural sites. During the
period 2006-2010, the three sites were above 75% of the precipitation data from all EANET
sites. Mt. Sto. Tomas averaged at 4,198 mm, the highest among all sites while Metro Manila
and Los Baos averaged at 3008 mm and 2436 mm, respectively.37
Dry deposition monitoring sites have also been established at the same sites as the wet
deposition monitoring sites. SO2 concentration in Metro Manila is between 50% and 75% of
EANET values while those of Los Baos and Mt. Sto. Tomas are within the 10% values. HNO 3
in MM is around EANETs median values while those of LB and MST are below 25% of the
values. Metro Manilas NH3 concentration is between 75% and 90% of EANET values while
those of LB and MST are less than 50% of the values.
The monitoring data indicate that the acidification, if any, is insignificant or at very low levels.
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI)
The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute has conducted the monitoring of PM 10 in the air since
1998 to identify major sources of air pollution and estimate their contribution from multi-element
data. Sampling is done twice a week using the Gent dichotomous sampler, where air particulate
samples are collected on Nuclepore filters. The Gent dichotomous sampler is identified as a
reliable but cheaper option for the collection of air particulate matter in the PM 10 range,
fractionated into the coarse (PM2.5-10) and the fine (PM2.5) fractions.
PNRI has air sampling sites in Metro Manila located at the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU),
Poveda Learning Center (PO), Valenzuela (Val) and at the National Mapping Resources
Information Authority (NAMRIA); and in Angat, Bulacan. PM10 values have been found to
exceed the long-term (annual) Philippine guideline value of 60g/m3, varying from 50 to 100% of
the years sampled in each site. The annual mean for all sites exceed the WHO annual
guideline value of 20 g/m3. PM2.5 annual mean values in all the sites also exceeded the US

37For

charts that present respective trends on PH and annual depositions of SO 42-, non-sea salt (nss) SO42-, NO3-, and Cl-, Ca2+, nss-Ca2+, Na+, K+,
Mg2+, NH4+ and H+, in mmol m-2y-1 from 2000 to 2010, see Appendix B.

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EPA long-term standard of 15 g/m3 and the WHO guideline value of 10 g/m3, indicating a
need to address fine particulate air pollution.
Recent studies have identified black carbon (BC) as a short-lived climate forcer or pollutants
that contribute to global warming. Reduction of black carbon has been considered, therefore, as
a short-term solution to climate change while waiting for mitigation measures for the GHGs to
take effect. In Metro Manila, in particular at the ADMU sampling site PM 2.5 annual mean levels
exceeded WHO guideline value of 10 g/m3 which are made up up to > 80% BC. Previous
source apportionment studies in Metro Manila have identified traffic-related activities as
comprising more than 50% of the fine fraction air pollutant sources. Addressing problems
regarding traffic-related activities can greatly reduce our fine particulate pollution problems
including the black carbon which can bring about better air quality in the area resulting to a
healthier air to breath by the general public and contributing to mitigation of climate change.

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6. RECOMMENDATIONS
This section aims to list a number of recommended steps and measures in four main aspects
policy, research and development, capacity building and institutional framework, and finance,
which various stakeholders can consider to implement in the immediate or long-term periods,
with strong support at the national and local levels of governance in the country.

6.1. Policy
1. Regulation of Firecrackers
2. Creation of Environment and Natural Resources Office in all LGUs
3. Passing of uniform guidelines on roadside apprehensions for smoke-belching motor
vehicles
4. Passing of a bill on providing incentives for e-vehicles
5. Inspections and Maintenance System

6.2. Research and Development


1. Indicators of Health vis--vis-air pollution
2. Air Pollution impact studies on health, such as health mapping
3. Monitoring of market infiltration of alternative vehicles such as CNG and LPG vehicles,
and e-vehicles
4. Cost-Benefit Analysis on the implementation of the Clean Air Act

6.3. Capacity Building and Institutional Framework


1. Number of monitoring stations should be adequate for city population. Target number of
stations to be set up within two to three years for cities with population above 1 million,
three to four years for cities with population between 500,000 and 1 million, and four to
five years for other cities.
Cities
Cities with population
above 2 Million
- Quezon City
Cities with population
above 1 million
- Manila, Caloocan,
Davao City, Cebu
City
Cities with population
500,000 to 1 million
- Zamboanga,
Antipolo, Pasig,

Target Air Quality


Monitoring Stations

Priority

Target Responsible
Group
Quezon City
Government, EMB
NCR

Within 2-3 years/by


2015

4 to 8

Within 2-3 years/by


2015

City LGU, EMB NCR,


EMB Regions VII and
XI

2 to 4

Within 3-4 years, by


2016

City LGU, EMB NCR,


EMB Regions X and
XI
Page | 67

Taguig, Cagayan
de Oro
Other cities

1 to 2

Within 4-5 years, by


2017

City LGU, EMB NCR,


EMB Regions xyz

2. City-monitoring equipment management


3. Infrastructure capacity and adequate number of refilling stations for CNG and LPG
vehicles, and e-vehicles
4. Establishment of lanes for non-motorized modes of transport, especially in urban areas

6.4. Finance
1. Facilitation of the certification of deposits and the release of Air Quality Management
Fund to optimize its use.
2. Exploration of more funding through corporate social responsibility portfolio of
companies.
3. Review of Road Board guidelines to avail the Special Vehicle Pollution Control Fund.

Page | 68

Acknowledgments
In the preparation of this Report, the contribution of the following organizations is hereby
acknowledged:
Ateneo School of Government (ASOG)
Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia)
City of Makati - Department of Environmental Services
Department of Agriculture (DA)
Department of Energy (DOE)
Department of Health (DOH)
Department of Transport and Communication (DOTC)
Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities
Land Transportation Office (LTO)
Manila International Airports Authority (MIAA)
Manila Observatory (MO)
MAPECON Green Charcoal Philippines
Miriam CollegeEnvironmental Studies Institute
National Statistics Office (NSO)
National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB)
Partnership for Clean Air (PCA)
Philippine Institute of Petroleum (PIP)
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI)
Philippine Medical Association (PMA)
Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP)
EMB Regional Offices
EMB/DENR Cordillera Administrative Region
EMB/DENR Region I
EMB/DENR Region II
EMB/DENR Region III
EMB/DENR Region IV A
EMB/DENR Region IV B
EMB/DENR Region V
EMB/DENR Region VI
EMB/DENR Region VII
EMB/DENR Region VIII
EMB/DENR Region IX
EMB/DENR Region X
EMB/DENR Region XI
EMB/DENR Region XII
EMB/DENR National Capital Region
EMB/DENR CARAGA

Page | 69

THE PROJECT STAFF


Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna
OIC-Director, EMB
Dr. Eva Ocfemia
OIC-Assistant Director, EMB
Air Quality Management Section EMB
Engr. Jean Rosete
Engr. Teresita Peralta
Ms. Petra Aguilar
Engr. Jundy del Socorro

Environment Education and Information Division EMB


Ms. Elenida Basug
Ms. Karen Pacpaco
Ms. Vilma Elpa
Ms. Iva Borja
Ms. Merva Arapo
Mr. Carl Robin Elpa

Ms. Victoria Segovia, Editor


Partnership for Clean Air
Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities
Ms. May Ajero, Lead Editor
Ms. Kaye Patdu, Researcher
Ms. Iris Caluag, Researcher
Dr. Mylene Cayetano, Researcher

Page | 70

Environmental Management Bureau


Department of Environment and Natural Resources
DENR Compound, Visayas Avenue, Quezon City
Tel. No. 928-4430 Telefax No. 426-2332
www.emb.gov.ph

Page | 71

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