Philippines' Fight Against Air Pollution: Strategies And Solutions

Air pollution in the Philippines is a complex and pressing issue. It has been recognised as a problem for decades, with the country's Clean Air Act being passed over thirty years ago. Despite this, air pollution levels remain high, and the Philippines has been identified as one of the world's most climate-vulnerable countries. The sources of air pollution are diverse and interconnected, including vehicular emissions, industrial activities, agricultural burning, and cultural practices. The impact of air pollution on public health and the economy is significant, with a high number of pollution-related deaths and a substantial economic burden. To address this challenge, the Philippines has implemented various policies and regulations, such as the Philippine Clean Air Act and the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System. However, there are gaps in the implementation and scope of these policies, and the country is still struggling to achieve comprehensive air pollution control.

The Clean Air Act and other policies

The Philippines has long struggled with air pollution, which has been linked to a high number of deaths and respiratory issues, especially in children. In 2018, the World Health Organisation reported 45.3 air pollution-related deaths per 100,000 people in the Philippines, the third-highest rate globally.

To tackle this issue, the Philippines has implemented the Clean Air Act, which provides a framework for a national program of air pollution management, with a focus on prevention rather than control. The Act aims to increase social awareness and active participation in air quality planning and monitoring through mass media communication. It also mandates the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to act as the lead agency, preparing a National Air Quality Status Report to formulate the Integrated Air Quality Improvement Framework.

The Clean Air Act also involves various other government departments, such as the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), which collects emission fees and implements emission standards for motor vehicles, and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), which establishes research programs for pollution prevention and control. Additionally, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Energy (DOE) work together to improve fuel composition and reduce emissions.

The Philippine Clean Air Act Implementing Rules and Regulations provide further guidelines for the Act's implementation, including air quality standards, licensing, and penalties for violations. Other supporting policies include Executive Order No. 774 (2008), which reorganised the Presidential Task Force on Climate Change, and the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System, which requires certain projects to undergo environmental impact assessments.

While these policies are comprehensive, there are challenges in their implementation. For example, vehicle emission control measures are not widely enforced, and many older, high-emitting vehicles remain on the road. Nevertheless, the existence of these policies demonstrates the Philippine government's commitment to addressing air pollution and improving public health.

Reducing vehicle emissions

The Philippines has been tackling air pollution through various measures, with a focus on reducing vehicle emissions. The country's Clean Air Act of 1999 established a comprehensive air quality management policy, including national emission standards for vehicles. The Act enforces regular emissions testing and has led to the development of the SLCP National Action Plan, which aims for a 75% reduction in emissions.

One of the significant steps taken is the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), launched in 2017. This program aims to replace old jeepneys, a common form of public transportation that typically runs on diesel engines, with newer, more environmentally friendly models. The new vehicles are required to have Euro 4-compliant engines, which produce fewer pollutants. This shift is expected to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

The Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050 also plays a crucial role in reducing vehicle emissions. The plan includes a target of achieving a 5% penetration rate of electric vehicles for road transport by 2040. This includes the electrification of motorcycles, cars, and public utility jeepneys. Additionally, the plan maintains the current blending schedule for biofuels (2% biodiesel and 10% bioethanol) until 2040, promoting the use of cleaner energy sources.

To further enhance these efforts, the Philippines has joined the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). Through this collaboration, the country is actively addressing air pollution and climate change challenges. The CCAC supports ASEAN member states in integrating air pollution and climate change mitigation into their institutions and policies, following science-based solutions. The Philippines is also working on finalising its National Plan on Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) to further reduce emissions.

While these measures are a step in the right direction, there is still room for improvement. It has been suggested that the government should update emission standards to align with current international norms, particularly for PM2.5 and NOx emissions. Strengthening enforcement and ensuring regular and rigorous vehicle emissions testing can also help reduce vehicle emissions. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in educating the public about air pollution and its health impacts, fostering support for environmental policies.

Impact on physical and mental health

Air pollution has had a profound impact on the physical health of Filipinos. A 2018 World Health Organization report revealed that the Philippines had the third-highest number of air pollution-related deaths globally, with 45.3 deaths per 100,000 people. This trend persists, as evidenced by research indicating that air pollution caused 66,230 deaths in the Philippines in 2019, with adults accounting for the majority of these fatalities.

The sources of air pollution in the Philippines are diverse, ranging from vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and agricultural burning to cultural practices like firework displays. Jeepneys, a popular mode of public transportation, are significant contributors to local air pollution due to their high emissions and their operation in congested urban areas. The adverse physical health effects of air pollution are evident in the increasing respiratory issues among children in polluted areas, as highlighted by the Department of Health. Diseases of the upper respiratory tract are commonly treated by doctors, and high lead concentrations have been detected in the urine samples of children exposed to polluted streets. The impact of air pollution on respiratory health is not limited to children; traffic enforcers in Metro Manila, for instance, face an increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease due to their constant exposure to high levels of particulate matter.

The negative consequences of air pollution extend beyond physical health, also influencing mental health and well-being. The stress and anxiety associated with living in polluted environments can contribute to mental health issues, particularly in urban Filipino communities where air pollution levels are highest. The economic burden of air pollution further exacerbates its impact on mental health, with the country incurring substantial healthcare costs, loss of productivity, and a decline in overall quality of life.

The Philippines has implemented various policies and regulations to address air pollution and mitigate its health impacts. The Clean Air Act, the Philippine Clean Water Act, and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act are among the legislative measures in place to tackle air pollution. However, there are challenges in enforcing these policies comprehensively, and the country is still striving to achieve effective air pollution control.

Improving waste management

The Philippines has long been struggling with air pollution, which has severe consequences for the health and economy of the country. The main sources of air pollution in the Philippines are urban vehicular emissions, industrial activities, agricultural burning, and cultural activities such as the use of fireworks.

Improving Waste Collection and Sorting

The Philippines can invest in simple technologies and provide universal access to basic waste management services. This will help reduce the total amount of waste that is burned or landfilled. For example, providing colour-coded bins for different types of waste and ensuring regular collection can improve waste sorting and recycling rates.

Reducing Open Burning of Waste

Open burning of waste is a significant contributor to air pollution. The Philippines should aim to eliminate this practice at all levels, from households to city-wide. This can be achieved through education, providing alternative waste disposal methods, and enforcing strict regulations against open burning.

Promoting Recycling and Reuse

Encouraging recycling and reuse practices can help reduce the amount of waste generated. The Philippines can promote recycling by providing convenient recycling centres or drop-off points and offering incentives for those who recycle. Additionally, companies should be encouraged to use less packaging and design products that are easily recyclable.

Proper Disposal of Organic Waste

Organic waste, such as food and plant waste, contributes significantly to methane emissions. The Philippines can develop a comprehensive organic waste management strategy to reduce these emissions. This may include separate collection and processing of organic waste, such as composting or anaerobic digestion, to divert it from landfills.

Safe Waste Management Practices

Informal waste workers in the Philippines, including children, often work in unsafe conditions without proper protective gear. It is essential to provide them with the necessary training, equipment, and support to ensure safe waste management practices. This will help protect their health and well-being, as well as that of their communities.

Public Education and Awareness

Educating the public about the importance of proper waste management and its impact on air quality can encourage individuals to make small changes, such as reducing waste generation, reusing and recycling, and not littering. Public awareness campaigns can also highlight the health and environmental risks associated with open burning and improper waste disposal.

Reducing industrial emissions

The Philippines has been facing air pollution issues for a long time, with a 2018 World Health Organization report ranking the country third-highest in the world for air pollution-related deaths. The country's urban areas, particularly Metro Manila, have been struggling with poor air quality, which has had significant health and economic impacts.

To address industrial emissions, which are a major contributor to air pollution, the Philippines has implemented various policies and regulations. The Philippine Clean Air Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations provide guidelines, standards, and penalties for violations. However, there are challenges in enforcing these regulations effectively.

One of the key approaches to reducing industrial emissions is the promotion of renewable energy sources and low-carbon economies. The Philippines recognizes the need to transition to lower-carbon energy sources, such as renewables or nuclear energy, to reduce carbon intensity and emissions. This is especially important as CO2 emissions are largely dominated by the burning of fossil fuels for energy production and industrial processes like cement production. By shifting to renewable energy sources, the Philippines can send a strong signal to industries to tackle their sources of air pollution.

Additionally, the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System requires certain projects to undergo environmental impact assessments to ensure they meet environmental safety standards. This helps to address industrial emissions by evaluating the potential environmental consequences of development projects.

To further reduce industrial emissions, the Philippines can focus on sustainable industrialization, eco-friendly practices, and energy efficiency. This includes implementing best available techniques and technologies to control and reduce emissions, such as filtration systems and end-of-pipe controls. The improvement in air quality during the COVID-19 lockdown, when industries halted production, underscores the impact of industrial activities on air pollution.

While the Philippines has made efforts to address industrial emissions, the implementation and enforcement of policies remain crucial. By combining policy changes, technological advancements, and cultural shifts, the Philippines can effectively reduce industrial emissions and improve air quality for the well-being of its citizens.

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