Public, agencies urged to follow “green reminders”

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 recapped the double celebration for the month of November as Environmental Awareness and Clean Air month with “green reminders.”

DENR-7 is reminding the public, private and other government agencies to take part in preserving and protecting the environment, as well taking part in efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change. 

DENR-7 spokesperson Eddie Llamedo is urging car owners to get into the habit of having a regular car checkup and maintenance to make sure they do not contribute to air pollution.

 The government agencies are also reminded anew to firmly uphold the Clean Air Act of 1999 (Republic Act 8749), which includes the mandate to thoroughly inspect each vehicle before it undergoes emission tests.

 “It’s our responsibility to check our vehicles especially those above five years. The vehicles’ carbon emissions must be checked to help our environment,” Llamedo said.

 The Land Transportation Office, he added, must also be actively involved in air quality planning and monitoring.

The LTO has required emission testing of vehicles prior to registration to reduce smoke-belchers on the road.

 Around 80 percent of air pollution in the country comes from mobile sources or motorized vehicles. The rest are from open burning and stationary sources like factories.

 Based on the latest monitoring of the Environmental Management Bureau-7, 58 percent of air pollution in the region comes from mobile sources like motor vehicles, planes and ships.

 According to EMB, this is the biggest source of air pollution so far.

 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 areas, site developments and unpaved grounds.

 In Cebu City, around 60 vehicles were recently cited for violating City Ordinance 2111 or the anti-smoke belching ordinance

 Violators are fined P1,000, P3,000 and P5,000 for the first, second and third offenses, respectively and can also be jailed for two months, or both.

 As preventive maintenance, Cebu City Traffic Office Executive Director lawyer Rey Gealon earlier advised motorists to regularly check their engines and change oil to somehow minimize carbon dioxide emissions.

 “Drivers must always be conscious and conscientious,” he said.

 Proclamation 1109 issued in 1997 declared November as ‘Clean Air Month through National Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Consciousness’ to create awareness among motorists on the importance and benefits of vehicle maintenance.

 On the other hand, Republic Act 9512 or the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008, declared the same month as ‘Environmental Awareness Month.’ This law called for the integration of environmental education in school curricula.  (FREEMAN)