Private initiative seeks improved air quality monitoring

Clean Air Philippines Movement Inc. (CAPMI) chairperson Michael Aragon said Friday they will deploy and operate an initial 50 air quality monitoring units to help the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) track the state of air quality. (Photo: Clean Air Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA — The private sector is stepping up its participation in the government’s campaign to promote clean air nationwide.

Clean Air Philippines Movement Inc. (CAPMI) chairperson Michael Aragon said Friday they will deploy and operate an initial 50 air quality monitoring units to help the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) track the state of air quality.

“There’s private sector confirmation to join the undertaking,” he said, noting that the initiative to help monitor air quality will be at no cost to the government.

DENR-EMB and its private partners are set to sign an agreement, Aragon said, adding that the bureau will identify locations where the private monitoring units will be deployed.

Earlier this month, CAPMI and DENR-EMB spearheaded the launch of the Clean Air Patrol program in Metro Manila, which uses drones to help monitor air quality and identify pollution sources.

CAPMI sought help in monitoring air quality and the private sector responded accordingly, Aragon said.

He said parties interested to join the clean air campaign can contact CAPMI regarding this matter.

CAPMI will launch 50 air quality monitoring units in Metro Manila on Monday (Nov. 20), Aragon added.

The launch will be among the activities for the annual celebration of Clean Air Month this November.

On November 17, CAPMI and DENR-EMB led the fourth annual National Check Your Car Day, calling on people to help reduce air pollution by regularly maintaining their vehicles.

Proclamation 1109 series of 1997 declared November as “Clean Air Month Through National Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Consciousness”, aims to promote regular maintenance of vehicles since DENR-EMB identified the transport sector as a major source of air pollutants.

“A motorist’s neglect of his vehicle’s maintenance remains a major contributor to the rise in vehicle emission,” the proclamation states.

It also recognizes that engine malfunctions contribute to excessive pollution but can be corrected through regular vehicle maintenance. (PNA)