Air quality in Metro Manila improves by 32%

Air quality in Metro Manila has improved by 32 percent, exceeding the original 30 percent target set by Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau.

This was announced by EMB's Policy and Planning Division Chief Ma. Victoria Abrera in today's episode of Talking Points radio program aired over 'Radyo ng Bayan' stations nationwide.

According to Abrera, Metro Manila's total suspended air particulate decreased to 126 in 2010, from 166 microgram per cubic meter in 2009. In November 2011, it went further down to 112 microgram per cubic meter.

The 32 percent improvement, Abrera said, may be attributed to public awareness and participation in the campaign through the new media.

"Marami po tayong measures, pero ang nakatulong talaga sa amin [ay] 'yong sa media, 'yung sa 'TXT Usok," Abrera said.

(We instituted several measures, but what really helped us in the campaign was the "TXT Usok.")
TXT Usok was a joint project of Land Transportation Office and the Bantay Kalikasan-Bantay Usok of ABS-CBN to implement the Clean Air Act in Metro Manila.

She also said that the agency instituted stricter motorcycle modification standards.
Motorcycles are major contributors to air pollution.

Further, Abrera said the EMB has deployed more ASBU or the Anti-Smoke Belching Unit teams all over the metropolis, to man the control and apprehension of smoke belchers. -PIA — ARA