EMB-7: Metro Cebu's air is safe

CEBU, Philippines - The air in Metro Cebu is safe and breathable for the general public according to the report of the Environmental Management Bureau-7, despite the Metro Cebu Airshed Governing Board (MCAGB) being inactive since its creation in 2002.

However, the EMB-7 and the Philippine Earth Justice Center, Inc. said there is a need to activate local government units and the air shed board including its regional line agencies’ members.

Currently, there are five ambient air monitoring stations in Metro Cebu located in Naga City, Ayala Center Cebu Business Park, Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office in Banilad, Mandaue City; Mabolo, Cebu City; and in University of San Carlos-Talamban Campus.

Ambient air quality is rated “fair” in Mabolo and Naga, and “good” in DENR Banilad and Ayala Center.

EMB-7’s report was taken up by the Economic Development Committee of the Regional Development Council-7.

During its last full council meeting, the RDC-7 upon the recommendation of EDC enjoined EMB-7 and concerned LGUs to activate the MCAGB as intended by the Philippine Clean Air Act.

Republic Act 8749 also known as the Philippine Clean Air Act provides for a comprehensive air pollution control policy anchored on the goals of sustainable development, human health and welfare, and a clean and healthy environment.

The operation of MCAGB created under DENR Department Administrative Order No. 2002-21, has been set back by lack of personal attendance of its members.

Among the 20 airsheds in the country so far designated by the DENR, only one is in Central Visayas which is in Metro Cebu covering the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Naga, Talisay and the municipalities of Cordova, Consolacion, Compostela, Liloan and Minglanilla.

The board marked its first meeting on January 20, 2009 during the Metro Cebu Summit on Climate Change.

In 2010, the board created its Executive Committee and the Technical Working Groups, validated and approved the Work and Financial Plan, held capability building and strategic planning workshops, crafted its Manual of Operation and was presented with air quality reports and a carbon emission reduction program.

This year, board meetings were deferred as the air quality monitoring fund was not downloaded to EMB-7.

With the lack of MCAGB meetings notwithstanding, the EMB-7 reported that they continue to strengthen the programs/policies created by the MCAGB, to regulate and monitor the compliance of stationary air pollution sources, coordinate with Land Transportation Office to reduce mobile sources and monitor LGUs to regulate area air pollution sources such as open burning.

The cities of Lapu-Lapu and Naga and the municipalities of Consolacion and Cordova have local ordinances on this concern. — (FREEMAN)