Metro Manila's Pollution Crisis: A Dire Situation

Metro Manila, Philippines, is a highly populated area, with over 109 million residents. The air pollution in Metro Manila is primarily caused by traffic, construction sites, sea salt, road dust, waste processing, biomass burning, and the use of fireworks during celebrations. In 2019, Metro Manila was the 5th most polluted city in the Philippines, with a PM2.5 reading of 18.2 µg/m³, classified as Moderate by the World Health Organization (WHO). During the COVID-19 lockdown, air pollution levels decreased significantly as vehicles stopped commuting into the city, and residents reported being able to see the Sierra Madre mountain range on the outskirts of the city. However, pollution levels have been steadily increasing since the lockdown ended, with industries restarting production and motorists returning to the roads. The Pasig River, once the most important river system in Metro Manila, was declared biologically dead in 1990 due to rapid industrialization and urbanization. Water pollution in the Philippines is also a growing concern, with the main sources being the unregulated discharge of domestic and industrial wastewater and agricultural runoff. The Philippine government has implemented various policies and laws to address pollution, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

Air pollution from vehicles and industry

Air pollution in Metro Manila is primarily caused by vehicle emissions, industrial activities, waste burning, and construction. The transportation sector is the largest contributor to air pollution in the Philippines, with vehicular sources accounting for 65% of air pollution in the country, primarily in Metro Manila. The significant increase in the number of vehicles, especially during peak hours, has led to heightened pollution levels. The dense population of Metro Manila, with an estimated density of 12,600 people per square kilometre, further exacerbates the issue.

One of the main sources of vehicle emissions in Metro Manila is jeepneys, which are a popular means of public transportation. Many jeepneys are old and use diesel engines, emitting significant amounts of black soot and other pollutants. They account for over 15% of road transportation greenhouse gas emissions and 48% of airborne particulate matter in Manila. The slow-moving rush-hour traffic in Metro Manila, with an average speed of just 7 kilometres per hour, also contributes to the high levels of vehicle emissions.

Industrial activities, including factories and power plants, are another significant source of air pollution in Metro Manila. The city is home to industrial plants and power stations, with thousands of people living in poor-quality housing nearby. The burning of fossil fuels and open incineration of garbage further contribute to the air pollution in the city.

To address the issue of air pollution in Metro Manila, proposals have been made to phase out leaded gasoline, reduce industrial emissions through filtration, encourage recycling, ban bonfires, and outlaw vehicles older than 15 years. The government has also implemented the Clean Air Act of 1999, but its standards have been critiqued as outdated. The expansion of the overhead rail system and investment in more efficient public transport systems are also being considered to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads.

Water pollution from industrial waste

The Philippines is facing a critical water pollution challenge. The country's water availability and quality are in a concerning state, with 43% of its rivers and 56% of its major water bodies polluted. The main sources of water pollution in the Philippines include the unregulated discharge of industrial and domestic wastewater, agricultural runoff, and solid waste.

Industrial pollution accounts for 24% of the country's water pollution, with over 820,000 industrial facilities in the Philippines, 60% of which are within the Manila Bay Metro Region. These industrial activities often release pollutants such as heavy metals, oils, solid waste, industrial wastewater, and hazardous chemicals. The Pasig River, which once served as a vital commerce route, has suffered from pollution due to inadequate sewage systems and urbanization.

The Philippines' rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to the dumping of untreated sewage and waste into rivers and oceans. The lack of proper waste management systems exacerbates the issue, as trash and plastic waste accumulate in water bodies, endangering aquatic life and the fishing industry. Plastic waste, in particular, has severely impacted the Philippines, with plastic particles acquiring new chemical and physical characteristics during degradation, increasing the risk of becoming hazardous to living things.

The Philippines has approximately 421 primary rivers and 221 lakes, supplying 50% of the country's potable water. However, the remaining 50% of households rely on septic tanks, pit latrines, or have no management for sewage waste. Untreated sewage entering the water supply can carry waterborne diseases, leading to severe health impacts and economic losses.

To address water pollution, the Philippines has implemented policies and laws such as the Clean Water Act (RA 9275) and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003). The government is also working towards stimulating 60% plastic reuse by 2030 and has initiated projects to restore water bodies, such as the bay restoration project for Manila Bay.

Solid waste management

The waste mainly comprises food/kitchen waste, papers, PET bottles, metals, cans, boxes/cartons, glass bottles, cellophane/plastics, and yard/garden waste. While some waste is segregated, particularly bottles, no composting practices are observed. Instead, the waste is often taken to open dumpsites, which release greenhouse gases, specifically methane, a gas 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide in causing climate change.

To address this issue, the Philippines enacted the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, promoting sector modernisation and the adoption of low-GHG-emitting waste management technologies. Additionally, the Carbon Partnership Facility and Land Bank Philippines collaborated to assist local governments and private operators in closing existing dumpsites and establishing sanitary landfills. Two landfills, Montalban and Payatas, successfully reduced emissions by nearly 500,000 tonnes of CO2 through landfill gas collection systems that capture methane for electricity generation.

However, implementation remains a challenge, with only 70% of garbage collected in Manila. The collected waste is often disposed of in dump sites that catch fire or contaminate water supplies. Scavengers, who rely on recyclable items from dumped garbage for income, also face health risks. Ultimately, solid waste management in Metro Manila requires effective enforcement of regulations, the promotion of sustainable waste management technologies, and collaborative efforts to ensure proper waste disposal and reduce environmental and health impacts.

Health risks of PM2.5

PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter that is 2.5 microns or less in diameter. These particles are so small that they can be inhaled into the respiratory system and can induce adverse health effects. Sources of PM2.5 include emissions from the combustion of gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, or wood, as well as industrial emissions and vehicular emissions.

In Metro Manila, the transportation sector is a major contributor to PM2.5 pollution, with traffic-promoting factors such as stoplights and traffic rush hours leading to elevated levels of PM2.5 in key transportation microenvironments. The air quality in Metro Manila has been measured at various times throughout the year, with some sites recording PM2.5 levels that are unhealthy for all individuals, not just those with pre-existing health conditions. For example, in 2024, the PM2.5 concentration in Calumpit, Bulacan, was recorded at 132 µg/m3, far exceeding the World Health Organization's annual guideline value of 5.0 µg/m3.

The health risks of PM2.5 exposure are particularly pronounced for older adults with chronic heart or lung disease, children, and asthmatics. Children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of PM2.5 because they inhale more air relative to their body weight than adults, they spend more time outdoors, and their immune systems are still developing. Research has shown that children living in communities with high levels of PM2.5 have slower lung growth and smaller lungs at age 18 compared to children in low PM2.5 areas.

Prolonged and high-level exposures to PM2.5 can also trigger chronic or allergic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, sinusitis, rhinitis, pneumonia, and laryngitis. Additionally, PM2.5 can pose serious health risks when inhaled or when it enters the bloodstream, especially for those with pre-existing heart, respiratory, or nervous system diseases. These risks include premature death, nonfatal heart attacks, irregular heartbeat, aggravated asthma, decreased lung function, increased irritation of the airways, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

Overall, the health risks associated with PM2.5 exposure are significant, and efforts to reduce air pollution and protect public health are crucial, especially in highly populated urban areas like Metro Manila.

Government initiatives to reduce pollution

Metro Manila, the capital region of the Philippines, has been facing severe air pollution, with the city's PM2.5 levels hovering around 18 micrograms per square meter. This has exposed residents to increasing rates of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions due to prolonged exposure to polluted air. In 2019, Metro Manila was the 5th most polluted city in the Philippines, with 80% of its pollution attributed to traffic on its roads.

To combat this, the government has implemented several initiatives to reduce pollution and improve the city's air quality. Here are some of the key government initiatives:

• Car-Free Sundays and Zones: Metro Manila has introduced Car-Free Sundays, where certain key areas become car-free zones. These include popular areas such as Roxas Boulevard, Intramuros, People's Streets in Pasig, and Ayala Avenue in Makati. These car-free zones promote active transport, enhance public health, and reduce pollution. The Climate Change Commission (CCC) advocates for more permanent car-free spaces and efficient public transportation systems to reduce vehicle emissions and foster healthier, more sustainable lifestyles.
• Air Quality Monitoring: The local authorities in Metro Manila operate and maintain 13 air quality control stations, with plans to introduce more. These stations track PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels, which are linked to severe cardiovascular and respiratory health issues.
• Reducing Plastic Pollution: Manila launched a year-long initiative with seven groundbreaking solutions to tackle plastic pollution. The primary goal is to enhance the involvement of informal waste pickers, especially women, and improve their working conditions. The project also aims to reduce plastic waste leakage by 30% and increase opportunities for economic development to mitigate plastic pollution in marine environments.
• Fireworks Restrictions: The Department of Health and the Philippine National Police have implemented policies and campaigns against firecrackers, successfully restricting their use during New Year celebrations. This has resulted in decreased PM2.5 concentrations.
• Public Transportation Improvements: The government is working on expanding and improving public transportation infrastructure. This includes expanding the rapid transit lines in Manila and considering extending the rail network to reduce traffic on the roads.
• Emissions Regulations: While the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 was a step forward, it needs updating. The government is encouraged to implement stricter emissions standards and promote cleaner technologies, such as electric vehicles, to significantly reduce emissions.

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