DENR, Globe tie up in fight vs pollution

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has teamed up with Globe Telecom in its effort to strengthen the government’s fight against pollution.

The DENR has forged a partnership with Globe Telecom in launching a dedicated hotline and text facility designed to promote environmental vigilance among Filipinos.

The tie-up aims to address the problem of deteriorating air quality in Metro Manila and other problems of environmental pollution.

Globe’s Green Line project is being fused with DENR’s “Ligtas Hangin” program, which is being implemented with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) with the goal of reducing air pollution in the metropolis by 30 percent.

With Globe Telecom’s help, anyone can now report smoke belching vehicles through text messaging by typing USOK (space)<Plate Number> and sending the information to 2327.  

The facility is open to subscribers of all mobile phone operators in the country and will be operational beginning tomorrow for a minimal charge of P1 per text.

“We created Globe Green Line to raise public consciousness on environmental issues and concerns. We encourage the citizens to be more vigilant by reporting those who contribute in destroying our environment,” said Jeffrey Tarayao, Globe head for corporate social responsibility.

“We believe that citizens’ participation is crucial to the success and sustainability of local enforcement of environmental policies,” he added.

For his part, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said the provision of a hotline and text facility is necessary to ensure the implementation and sustainability of efforts to improve air quality in the metropolis.

“Our goal for cleaner air starts with one text message. We are closely coordinating with LTO to ensure that violators will be penalized. Owners of these smoke-belching vehicles will not be allowed to register if they refuse to clean up,” he said.

Under the program, all text messages received through Globe Green Line will be transmitted to the Text Usok Command Center at the DENR and all validated reports will be forwarded to the LTO.

Based on the Clean Air Act, first-time violators will be fined P1,000, while second and third-time violators will be fined P3,000 and P5,000, respectively.

Aside from the campaign against air pollution, Globe is also active in efforts to minimize water pollution.

Its project involves the rehabilitation of the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando river system which was declared one of the 30 dirtiest rivers in the world. 

The waterway suffered from heavy metal pollution caused by toxic wastes from factories lining the banks of the river, resulting not only in environmental degradation but also in numerous health problems among Bulacan folk.

Globe Telecom said Bulacan residents can report environmental crimes and violations to the Globe Green Line hotline number 0917-8119762 (0917-811WQMA) via call, text or MMS.

Aside from raising public consciousness, Globe Telecom said it also planted at least 10,500 trees in the seven areas where the hotline is being implemented.