Philippines' Air Pollution: Strategies For A Cleaner Future

Air pollution is a pressing global issue that significantly impacts the Philippines, with major economic and health consequences. The country has been actively tackling this crisis through various governmental and community initiatives. The Philippines has implemented policies and acts, such as the Clean Air Act of 1999, to manage air pollution and improve air quality. Additionally, the country has been transitioning towards renewable energy sources and updating transportation systems to reduce emissions. The Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) aims to replace old jeepneys, a common means of public transportation, with more environmentally friendly options. The Philippines has also developed strategies to reduce short-lived climate pollutants and improve waste management. These collective efforts reflect the country's commitment to addressing air pollution and creating a healthier environment for its citizens.

Transition to renewable energy sources

The Philippines has long been at the forefront of policy and action for better air quality. The country has shown leadership through its collaboration on the CCAC-funded activity, "Advancing the Clean Air, Health and Climate Integration Agenda in the ASEAN Region". This supports ASEAN member states in integrating air pollution and climate change mitigation into relevant institutions and policies. The Philippines has also developed a National Strategy to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants from the Municipal Solid Waste Sector. This strategy includes biodegradable waste diversion, methane capture, and recycling and waste-to-energy initiatives.

The Philippines is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, particularly coal, for its energy supply. Coal is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. It releases more carbon dioxide per unit of energy than oil or gas, as well as toxic elements such as mercury, arsenic, and soot. Recognising the need to reduce coal usage, the Philippines has implemented initiatives such as the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which aims to replace old jeepneys and public utility vehicles with more environmentally-friendly alternatives.

Transitioning to renewable energy sources is key to solving the country's energy trilemma and improving air quality. By increasing the use of renewable sources such as wind, solar, and geothermal power, the Philippines can significantly reduce its dependence on coal and other fossil fuels. This transition is not just an environmental imperative but also crucial for public health and economic prosperity. Renewable energy adoption can create jobs, reduce air pollution-related health issues, and lower healthcare costs.

To facilitate the transition to renewable energy, the Philippines can optimise its electricity supply mix and integrate batteries and expand transmission lines to increase the penetration of wind and solar energy. By 2050, the country could potentially achieve a 100% fossil-free energy system with zero greenhouse gas emissions, comparable in cost to the energy system in 2015. This transition is not only technically feasible but also economically beneficial, with every dollar invested in clean energy providing 3-8 times the return.

Implement stricter emissions standards

The Philippines has been facing air pollution issues for decades, with urban centres like Manila, Cebu, and Davao being hotspots for poor air quality. The country's struggle with air pollution is largely due to vehicular emissions, industrial activities, waste burning, and construction. As such, implementing stricter emissions standards is crucial to improving air quality in the Philippines.

The Philippine government has already taken steps to address this issue through the Clean Air Act of 1999, which provides a foundational framework for managing air pollution. However, it is important to update and strengthen this legislation to align with current international standards, particularly regarding PM2.5 and NOx emissions. This includes setting more stringent emission standards for motor vehicles and industrial dischargers, as outlined in the Act. The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) play a crucial role in enforcing these standards and collecting regular emission fees from polluters.

To further strengthen emissions standards, the Philippines can draw on successful case studies from other countries. For example, Singapore's rigorous vehicle emissions standards and comprehensive public transport system have effectively curbed air pollution. The country can also promote the use of electric vehicles and improve public transportation infrastructure, as cities like Cebu have started to do with the implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Additionally, the government can encourage the adoption of cleaner technologies and renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and tidal power.

Stricter emissions standards should also be accompanied by regular and rigorous vehicle emissions testing and stronger enforcement of existing laws, with penalties for non-compliance. The Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) is a step in the right direction, aiming to replace old jeepneys, which typically run on diesel engines, with more environmentally-friendly vehicles that meet higher safety and emissions standards.

By implementing and enforcing stricter emissions standards, the Philippines can significantly reduce air pollution and mitigate its adverse effects on public health and the environment, thereby paving the way for a healthier and more sustainable future for its citizens.

Adopt electric vehicles

The Philippines has been facing a severe air pollution problem, with major cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao featuring in lists of places with concerning air quality levels. The country has acknowledged the issue and is taking proactive measures to address it. One of the key strategies to combat air pollution in the Philippines is the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs).

The transport sector in the Philippines is a significant contributor to air pollution, with 74% of air pollutants coming from vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. To mitigate this, the government has introduced initiatives like the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which aims to replace old jeepneys and other public utility vehicles with more environmentally friendly options. This includes the use of vehicles with Euro 4-compliant engines, which produce fewer emissions.

The Multi-lateral lender Asian Development Bank (ADB) has suggested that the Philippines prioritize the electrification of public transport over private passenger vehicles. This is because public transport covers higher mileage and, in the case of buses and trucks, consumes more energy, so transitioning to electric options would have a larger impact on reducing emissions and pollution. The ADB has recommended several policies to encourage the adoption of commercial EVs, including preferential access to urban centers, preferential licensing, and obligations to operate a certain percentage of EVs.

The Philippines Energy Plan 2023-2050 also includes a target of a 5% penetration rate of electric vehicles for road transport by 2040. This includes not just cars but also motorcycles and public utility jeepneys. The plan also outlines more ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming for a 35% share by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

While the adoption of electric vehicles is a positive step towards reducing air pollution in the Philippines, it is important to consider the country's reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation. This reduces the environmental benefits of electric cars, as the electricity used to power them may still come from burning fossil fuels. Nevertheless, the shift towards electric mobility presents a significant opportunity for the Philippines to improve air quality and energy security while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Improve waste management

The Philippines has been facing a waste management crisis, which has contributed to its air pollution issues. The country is one of the top waste generators in Southeast Asia and a significant contributor to plastic waste pollution in the seas. This is due to a combination of factors, including low recycling rates, issues with waste collection, and inconsistent plastic packaging segregation across local government units (LGUs). The Philippines also has a preponderance of single-use plastic and plastic packaging material in the market, which, when not properly disposed of, ends up in the country's waterways.

To improve waste management and reduce air pollution, the Philippines has implemented several strategies and policies. The National Strategy to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants from the Municipal Solid Waste Sector in the Philippines, developed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), aims to increase biodegradable waste diversion, methane capture, and recycling and waste-to-energy initiatives. The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 and the National Plan of Action for the Prevention, Reduction, and Management of Marine Litter are also in place to address the plastic pollution crisis.

In addition to these policies, the Philippines has introduced the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law, which mandates that businesses with assets over ₱100 million be responsible for the entire life cycle of their products, including waste management. This law shifts the burden of managing waste from LGUs, who often lack the capacity to deal with increasing waste, to the producers of plastic packaging. The EPR law also encourages smaller businesses to voluntarily participate in waste reduction and recycling initiatives.

To further improve waste management and reduce air pollution, the Philippines can focus on effective implementation and stakeholder involvement. This includes ensuring adequate waste disposal infrastructure, such as landfill sites and recycling facilities, and enforcing laws and regulations to penalize offenders. Additionally, public education and engagement on solid waste management and the importance of recycling can help to reduce plastic waste and improve air quality.

Reduce industrial emissions

The Philippines has been facing air pollution issues for decades, with urban centres like Manila, Cebu, and Davao being hotspots for poor air quality. The country's air pollution is largely due to the burning of fossil fuels, with transportation being the leading contributor. To reduce industrial emissions, the Philippines can take several actions:

Firstly, the country should focus on transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. This involves investing in clean energy infrastructure such as wind, solar, and tidal power. The Philippines can draw on successful examples from other countries, such as Turkey's closure of multiple coal power plants in 2020. Additionally, the government should update its emissions regulations to promote cleaner technologies and stricter emissions standards. This includes encouraging the use of electric vehicles and improving public transportation infrastructure to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road.

Secondly, the Philippines should continue implementing programs like the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), which aims to replace old jeepneys with more environmentally friendly models. This is crucial as jeepneys alone account for a significant portion of transportation emissions and air particulate matter in Manila. By encouraging the use of eco-friendly vehicles, the Philippines can significantly lower its greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

Thirdly, community initiatives play a vital role in reducing industrial emissions. Programs that promote tree planting, waste management, and the use of renewable energy can help mitigate pollution. For example, the Philippines can aim to increase the proportion of biodegradable waste that is composted or digested and raise the percentage of methane captured from solid waste disposal sites. Additionally, recycling and waste-to-energy initiatives can help reduce the country's reliance on traditional disposal methods.

Furthermore, the Philippines should continue its collaboration with international organizations and follow through on its commitments. By joining the Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the Philippines has demonstrated its leadership in addressing air pollution. The country should leverage the support of the CCAC and partner organizations to implement science-based solutions and integrate air pollution mitigation into its institutions and policies.

Lastly, the Philippines can explore technological innovations to reduce industrial emissions. This includes adopting filtration systems to capture pollutants before they are released into the atmosphere. Additionally, the country can invest in monitoring technologies, such as satellite data, to accurately track air quality over the entire Philippine archipelago. This data can inform policy decisions and targeted emissions reduction strategies.

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