EMB-7: No more haze in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu is now haze-free.

This is according to an official of the Environmental Management Bureau-7 after several quality tests showed positive results, clearing Cebu’s air from haze caused by the forest fires in Indonesia.

EMB-7 regional director William Cuñado said Cebu’s ambient air is now clear from haze.

“Pasado na gyud sa standard,” he said in a press conference yesterday.

Based on the results of air quality monitoring tests on November 5 and 6, the average concentration of PM 2.5 (small dust particles or particulate matter measuring  2.5 micrometers in diameter), as computed from the data retrieved from the particle monitor stationed at Radisson Blu Hotel, was at 16 micrograms per Normal cubic meter (µg/Nm3).

Engineer Cindylyn Pepito, environmental management specialist of EMB-7, said the result is within the interim guideline value of 75µg/Nm3, based on the DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2013-13.

“This implies that the air quality in Metro Cebu continues to improve,” read the result.

EMB noted that the highest reading was 62 µg/Nm3  at 8 a.m. on November 5 while  lowest reading was 2 µg/Nm3 at 1 a.m. today.

The parameter standard used by the Ambient Team in taking air quality samples in Metro Cebu is PM 2.5 through utilizing the Environmental Beta Attenuation Monitor (EBAM).

Pepito said they will keep on monitoring the air quality considering the threat of forest fires due to the intensified El Niño phenomenon.

“We will keep monitoring the ambient air quality here all year round, which is our mandate also,” she said.

However, Dr. Sophia Mancao, Department of Health OIC assistant regional director, said the public should stay vigilant about their health, even without the threat of haze.

She advised those with respiratory problems to avoid places with high percentage of pollutants, particularly in streets congested with vehicles and areas near industrial firms and the like.

“Safe to go outdoors but let’s keep vigilant,” she said.

Based on the latest monitoring of EMB, the biggest source of air pollution or 58 percent are mobile sources — motor vehicles, planes and ships.  Stationary sources make up 20 percent of pollution, such as industrial firms, smokestacks of power plants, hotels, and other establishments.

The remaining 14 percent is sourced from smoking, burning of garbage, and dust from construction, site development and unpaved grounds.

Clean air campaign

EMB, an attached agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, is intensifying its Clean Air Information Campaign through a series of activities to educate the public about the impact of air pollution to human health and environment.

The EMB is apprehensive that such lack of awareness will further expose the urban residents to health hazards brought by air pollution.

The intensified campaign is necessary to address the lack of awareness of Cebu residents on the effects of air pollution.

The agency will be holding information education campaigns, concerts, exhibits, posters strengthen campaign. Also, enjoin support from various sectors, such as government agencies, local government units, academe and private sectors to promote the campaign with the theme, “Pwerhisyong Usok! Pigilan. Konting Abala, Laking Ginhawa.” — Kristine B. Quintas/ATO (FREEMAN)