ESP cites need to clean Metro Manila air of pollutants

The Ecological Society of the Philippines (ESP) said yesterday there is a need to cleanse Metro Manila air of pollutants and prevent further discharge of air particulates into the atmosphere by erring vehicles and industries.

ESP president Antonio M. Claparols said there is dearth of information on Metro Manila air quality management, particularly monitoring and enforcement; sources of air pollution; public awareness and the role of LGUs in clean air campaigns.

ESP said it hopes to amplify the collective knowledge, understanding and perspective of clean-air stakeholders so they could make recommendations or initiate ideas that will lead to a better implementation  of the Clean Air Act and plan for the next strategic steps.

Claparols said the public needs to understand that cleaner air can be achieved not through technology alone but through the spirit of awareness and cooperation among the general public. "The success of the Clean Air Act implementation lies in the active participation and collective efforts of our local executives, stakeholders and members of the governing board of all the airsheds in the country," he said.

Claparols explained that recent developments in the promotion of better air quality includes promotion of alternative fuels such as liquefied petroluem gas (LPG) for taxis and coco methyl ester (CME) for jeepneys, promotion of non motorized transport like cycling and pedestrian lanes, drafting of laws on biofuels and renewable energy and promotion of energy-efficient technologies.