MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has noted a remarkable improvement in Metro Manila’s air quality in the third quarter of 2011.
According to DENR Secretary Ramon Paje, the number of total suspended particulates (TSP), or the amount of dust particles in the environment, decreased from 130 micrograms per normal cubic meter (ug/Ncm) in the third quarter of 2010 to 120 ug/Ncm during the same period this year.
He noted that the present TSP level is 30 ug/Ncm higher than the normal amount of TSP set by the World Health Organization for one-year averaging time at 90 ug/Ncm.
At the same time, Paje proposed the strict regulation of fireworks by setting up a common fireworks area to reduce the volume of pollution that usually surges during the holidays.
Paje said he would bring up his proposal with Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, explaining that setting up a common fireworks area, whether within a municipality or even among a cluster of barangays, would drastically reduce the amount of air pollutants from pyrotechnics, such as dust, sulfur and charcoal which complicate respiratory problems.
“We are looking for ways that will allow Filipinos to enjoy Christmas and New Year without the pollution that usually comes with it,” Paje said.
He explained that pollutants from the fireworks lead to the formation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide.
They also get trapped in smog that blankets the air afterwards, aggravated by the cold weather and rain expected from the occurrence of La Niña, he added.
Paje added that common fireworks areas would also mean areas where people could safely enjoy fireworks and make cleaning up afterwards an easier task, translating to less fires, injuries and deaths.
Aside from designating common areas for fireworks, the DENR chief reminded Filipinos to refrain from burning tires, which produces carbon monoxide and other poisonous metals such as zinc which is harmful when inhaled.
Meanwhile, at least 200 representatives of various sectors kicked off Wednesday a year-long campaign to help local communities gain resiliency against climate change and economic challenges.
The “Run for Your Life!” campaign held at the People’s Village in Tiendesitas, Pasig City sought to spur community action towards installing harmonized ecological and economic strategies and mechanisms for developing resiliency.
“Resiliency means having the capacity to bounce back quickly and with relative ease and certainty, after every crisis or calamity,” said Faustino Mendoza, Jr., an economist-entrepreneur and Director of Nepaserv, an information technology company with a techno-cultural and socio-economic development orientation.
“This is what our communities badly need now, especially the poorer ones, in the face of climate unpredictability and a global economy on the brink of collapse,” Mendoza added.
The “Run for Your Life” campaign was initiated and organized by Nepaserv, in collaboration with Pasig Green City and Pasig Green Net.
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By: Ellalyn B. De Vera
Source: Manila Bulletin, Nov. 24, 2011
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