Philippines' Air Pollution: A Growing Concern

Air pollution is a pressing environmental concern in the Philippines, causing significant economic losses and adverse health impacts on Filipinos. The country's air quality has been deemed moderately unsafe by the World Health Organization (WHO), with the 2020 air quality average exceeding twice the recommended value by WHO standards. The capital city of Manila is among the most polluted cities in the Philippines, with residents facing increased rates of respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic bronchitis due to prolonged exposure to polluted air. The primary sources of air pollution in the Philippines are fossil fuels, particularly from the transportation sector, and solid fuel usage in households. The Philippine government has implemented various laws, such as the Clean Air Act, to tackle air pollution and raise awareness about pollution prevention. However, the country continues to face challenges in effectively managing air quality and reducing harmful environmental risks to its citizens' health and well-being.

The Philippines' air quality

The Philippines has been facing air pollution issues for decades, with urban centres like Manila being hot spots for poor air quality. In 2019, the country had an average PM2.5 concentration of 17.6 micrograms per square metre, which is above the safe level of 10 micrograms per square metre as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The following year, the air quality average was more than twice the recommended value set by the WHO. According to the 2018 EPI, the Philippines ranked 43rd in the Air Pollution category but 111th in terms of Air Quality due to the use of solid fuels in households.

The primary source of air pollution in the Philippines is fossil fuels, with transportation being the leading contributor. As of 2016, 80% of the country's air pollution came from motor vehicles, and this problem is exacerbated by the growing number of vehicles in the country. Jeepneys alone account for 15% of transportation emissions and 48% of air particulate matter in Manila. The capital city of Manila bears the brunt of the country's air pollution, with PM2.5 levels hovering around 18 micrograms per square metre. This exposes residents to increasing rates of asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions due to prolonged exposure to polluted air.

In addition to transportation, stationary sources such as factories contribute to air pollution, accounting for 35% of outdoor air pollution according to the country's most recent national emissions inventory. The burning of organic matter and solid waste also contributes to air pollution, with satellite data showing an increase in pollution levels in some areas due to the burning of organic waste. The use of solid fuels for cooking is another factor, with 54% of the population relying primarily on these fuels in 2013.

The Philippines has implemented various laws and ordinances to tackle air pollution, including the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, which provides a holistic national program for air pollution management focused on pollution prevention. While this act was a step in the right direction, it is largely outdated and needs improvement. Community initiatives that encourage tree planting, waste management, and the use of renewable energy are also crucial in mitigating pollution.

The country's air quality has shown some improvement during lockdown periods, but these gains were short-lived as pollution levels increased again once the restrictions were lifted. Overall, the Philippines continues to struggle with establishing a firm grasp on air quality control, and addressing air pollution requires a combination of policy measures, technological innovations, and community initiatives.

Health implications

The health implications of air pollution in the Philippines are significant and wide-ranging. A 2021 report estimated that air pollution costs the Philippines approximately $87 billion annually due to healthcare and welfare costs, as well as labour and economic productivity losses. The country's annual mean level of PM2.5 is 24 µg/m³, far higher than the WHO's recommended maximum of 5 µg/m³. This level of pollution primarily comes from burning fossil fuels and vehicular emissions, especially in Metro Manila and other urban centres.

The consequences of this pollution are profound. In 2019, air pollution was responsible for an estimated 66,230 deaths in the Philippines, making it a leading cause of death and disability due to non-communicable diseases. Of these deaths, 64,920 were adults and 1,310 were children. The economic cost of these premature deaths is staggering, with a loss of PHP 2.32 trillion or 11.9% of the country's GDP in 2019.

Children are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution. Their developing bodies and higher breathing rates make them more susceptible to pollutants, leading to immediate health issues such as asthma and respiratory infections. Long-term developmental impacts include reduced lung growth and function. The Department of Health in the Philippines has reported a rise in respiratory issues among children in polluted areas.

The mental health implications of air pollution are also gaining recognition. The stress and anxiety associated with living in polluted environments, coupled with physical health impacts, can contribute to mental health issues. This is particularly relevant in urban Filipino communities, where air pollution levels are highest.

The sources of ambient air pollutants are also major emitters of greenhouse gases, exacerbating climate change and further endangering the health of people in the Philippines, which is one of the world's most climate-vulnerable countries. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and PM2.5 are linked to severe respiratory and cardiovascular health issues, and exposure to high levels of these pollutants affects the body's natural defences against airborne viruses, increasing vulnerability to COVID-19.

Clean Air Act

The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 is a landmark piece of legislation aimed at improving the country's air quality. This act is designed to reduce air pollution, protect public health, and ensure a healthier environment for current and future generations. The Clean Air Act is a pivotal act not only for the Philippines but also for the Southeast Asian region, as it serves as a model for environmental policy.

The Act outlines a holistic national program of air pollution management, with the government implementing it through proper delegation and coordination of functions and activities. It encourages cooperation and self-regulation among citizens and industries, focusing on pollution prevention rather than control. To achieve this, the Act promotes public information and education to ensure an informed and active public that participates in air quality planning and monitoring.

Various government departments play a role in implementing the Clean Air Act. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) acts as the lead agency, preparing a National Air Quality Status Report to formulate the Integrated Air Quality Improvement Framework and issuing rules and regulations for the Act's implementation. The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) collects emission fees from industrial dischargers and motor vehicles, implementing emission standards for the latter. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), together with the DENR and other agencies, develops an action plan to control and manage air pollution from motor vehicles. The Department of Energy (DOE) consults with relevant industries and stakeholders to set specifications for fuel and fuel-related products to improve fuel composition and reduce emissions.

Additionally, the Act promotes the use of mass media communication to create social awareness and active participation in air quality initiatives. It also establishes a system of accountability for adverse environmental impacts, including funding mechanisms for clean-up, environmental rehabilitation, and compensation for personal damages.

Despite the Clean Air Act, climate advocates have called for updates to the country's air quality standards, citing the urgent need to address the tangible impacts of air pollution on public health and the environment.

Fossil fuels

The Philippines has a significant number of vehicles running on diesel and gasoline, with transportation being the leading contributor to air pollution from fossil fuels. Jeepneys alone account for 15% of transportation emissions and 48% of air particulate matter in Manila, the country's capital. The urban centres of Manila, San Fernando, Antipolo, Biñan, Puerto Princesa, and Davao consistently show higher levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) due to dense traffic and industrial activities. Vehicular emissions account for 65% of air pollution in the country, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Coal-fired plants also contribute significantly to air pollution, particularly in host provinces. Despite being the most polluting fuel option, coal remains the dominant energy source in the Philippines, accounting for 52% of gross power generation. Coal plant emissions are estimated to cause up to 2,400 deaths per year in the Philippines, according to Greenpeace.

The Philippines is addressing air pollution through various laws and ordinances, including the Clean Air Act (RA 8749 or RA 3931) of 1999, which aims to raise awareness about pollution prevention and enforce regulatory standards on stationary sources of pollution, such as factories and power plants. However, the act has been criticised as being outdated and in need of improvement, with calls for stricter emissions standards and the promotion of cleaner technologies.

The country is also experiencing a steep rise in the number of vehicles, which contributes to the amount of pollutants in the atmosphere. The annual growth rate in energy demand and the projected increase in road vehicles are expected to exacerbate air pollution further. To mitigate this, there is a growing focus on sustainable transport options, such as electric vehicles, improved public transportation infrastructure, and the development of shared mobility initiatives.

Solid waste management

The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 is another key legislation. It provides the necessary policy framework and institutional mechanisms for Local Government Units (LGUs) to manage solid waste effectively. This act addresses the growing solid waste problem in the Philippines, with residential waste accounting for 57% and commercial waste contributing 27% between 2008 and 2013.

To combat plastic pollution, the Philippines passed the "Extended Producer Responsibility" (EPR) law in 2023. This law mandates that businesses with assets over ₱100 million be responsible for the entire life cycle of their plastic packaging products, including waste management. The "polluter pays" principle is central to this law, encouraging businesses to reduce, recycle, and reuse plastic packaging.

Community initiatives also play a vital role in solid waste management. Programs that promote tree planting, waste management, and the use of renewable energy sources help mitigate pollution. Additionally, the World Bank has provided support and published reports, such as "Combating Plastic Waste Crisis in the Philippines," to address the plastic waste crisis in the country.

The Philippines has made significant strides in solid waste management through comprehensive legislation and community efforts. However, effective implementation and increased stakeholder involvement are necessary to achieve tangible results in improving air quality and reducing pollution.

Frequently asked questions