Current state of air quality in the Philippines

In the latest National Air Quality Status Report (NAQSR) of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) published in 2022, the overall concentration of Particulate Matter 10 (PM10) in the country in 2020 decreased compared to the 2012 baseline (from 60 µg/Ncm in 2012 to 27 µg/Ncm in 2020), indicating an improvement in overall air quality. This decrease in PM10 concentrations from 2012-2019 was also observed in Metro Manila, the capital of the Philippines (from 70 µg/Ncm in 2012 to 45 µg/Ncm in 2019). In terms of total suspended particles (TSP), a decrease was also observed for both TSP data in Metro Manila (from 119 µg/Ncm in 2012 to 94 µg/Ncm in 2019) and the whole country (from 105 µg/Ncm in 2012 to 65 µg/Ncm in 2020)1 (see Figures 1 and 2).

 

Multiple events contributed to the air pollution in the Philippines in 2019-2020 as listed below:

 

Volcanic eruptions

On January 12, 2020, the Taal Volcano in Batangas, located 60 km south of Manila, erupted and spewed a 10-15-km high ash. The monitoring station located in Lipa City, Batangas measured TSP concentrations of as high as 6,793 µg/Ncm1.

 

New Year’s Eve Celebration

On January 1, 2020, PM10 concentrations averaged 213 µg/Ncm, reaching as high as 355 µg/Ncm between 12 midnight and 2 AM due to fireworks displays. The implementation and enforcement of Executive Order (EO) 28, Series of 2017, involved designating specific areas for fireworks use and the confiscation and destruction of prohibited fireworks and pyrotechnic equipment. As a result of this EO enforcement, PM10 concentrations on January 1, 2021, were significantly lower, with an average of 87 µg/Ncm and a peak of 235 µg/Ncm1.

 

Southeast Asian Transboundary Haze

In 2019, a study was conducted to identify the source of biomass burning responsible for the recurring haze in the Southern Philippines. The study revealed that the air pollution was significantly influenced by transboundary air pollution from Indonesia1.

 
Figure 1. Concentration of PM10 from 2012-2020 in Metro Manila and nationwide. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, it was challenging to reach the 75% data requirement for monitoring in Metro Manila.1


Figure 2. Concentration of TSP from 2012-2020 in Metro Manila and nationwide. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, it was challenging to reach the 75% data requirement for monitoring in Metro Manila.1

 

Although some improvements in PM10 concentrations have been observed in the Philippines, the need for updated air quality guidelines and framework has become increasingly urgent due to evolving environmental challenges and health concerns. Rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and the emergence of new pollutants, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), have exacerbated air quality issues, impacting public health and the environment. Existing guidelines, established years ago, no longer adequately address these modern pollutants and sources of contamination. Updating the air quality framework is essential to incorporate the latest scientific research, technological advancements, and international best practices, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable environment for future generations.

 

Recent and future air quality initiatives by the EMB

During the period of 2019-2024, EMB has made various steps to improve air quality and management and to mitigate harmful emissions in the Philippines through projects, initiatives, and reports as listed below:

 

1. Update of the Air Quality Guideline Values (PM2.5 and Air Quality Index Breakpoints)

To comply with RA 8749, the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, and Section 2 of DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2000-81, which mandates the review of air quality guideline values, EMB and its Technical Working Group (TWG) conducted a comprehensive review of the PM2.5 Air Quality Index (AQI) Breakpoints. This effort led to the formulation of updated PM2.5 AQI Breakpoints under DENR Administrative Order No. 2020-14. This new order not only establishes the breakpoints for the PM2.5 AQI but also amends Section 5(a) of DAO 2013-13, which previously set the provisional national ambient air quality guideline values for PM2.5. These updates include critical cautionary statements aimed at protecting public health, safety, and the general welfare1.

 

2. Intensified Environmental Protection: Clean Air Program

Released on April 18, 2024, the Clean Air Program is structured into three sub-programs: the Motor Vehicle Emission Management Program, the Industrial Emission Management Program, and Roadside and General Ambient Air Monitoring. These sub-programs address the three primary sources of air emissions: mobile, stationary, and area sources. Monitoring roadside and general ambient air quality is crucial for evaluating local air conditions and developing effective policies and regulations. The program includes the installation of Real-Time Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations in Metro Manila and other urbanized areas. These stations provide real-time data on various pollutants, including SO2, NO2, O3, CO, BTX, and PM10/2.5, as well as meteorological parameters. This information is made accessible to the public through a dedicated website, allowing individuals to understand air quality levels and their implications for daily life. The DENR also promotes partnerships with host institutions for the maintenance and security of the equipment, ensuring the full operationalization of airsheds nationwide and the implementation of action plans2.

 

3. Philippines’ commitment in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

In 2020, the Philippines emitted an average of 1.98 MTCO2e per capita, significantly below the global average of 4 MTCO2e per capita. To strengthen the country’s commitment in GHG emissions reduction, the country has committed to a substantial GHG emissions reduction target of 75% from 2020 to 2030, which spans multiple sectors, including agriculture, waste, industry, transport, and energy. The Philippines’ climate change mitigation efforts aim to enhance the country’s resilience and adaptive capacity, supported by improved access to climate finance, technology development and transfer, and capacity building. These initiatives also focus on implementing policies related to circular economy and promoting sustainable consumption and production practices1.

 

4. Climate actions regarding short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs)

SLCPs, including black carbon, methane, tropospheric ozone, and hydrofluorocarbons, are man-made pollutants that persist for a shorter duration compared to carbon dioxide (CO2) but possess significantly higher warming potentials. These SLCPs are responsible for approximately 45% of current global warming. The EMB is actively engaged in various initiatives to address SLCPs, detailed as follows1:

Advancing the Clean Air, Health and Climate Integration Agenda in the ASEAN Region

Started in 2019, the aim of the project is to implement actions in relation to the 25 clean air measures identified in the Climate Air Coalition report, “Air Pollution in Asia and the Pacific: Science-based Solutions,” which could help improve air quality by 2030, reduce global warming by one-third degrees Celsius by 2050, increase crop yield, improve socio-economic development, and progress towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)1.

National Strategy to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants from the Municipal Solid Waste Sector in the Philippines

This report was developed through an extensive multi-stakeholder consultation process spearheaded by DENR-EMB’s Climate Change Division (CCD) and Solid Waste Management Division (SWMD), with guidance, coordination, and support from the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), the Climate Change Commission (CCC), and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) under its Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC)-backed Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Initiative. NSWMC established a core group of experts (CGE) who assisted DENR-EMB, stakeholders, and other experts in a series of focus group discussions and consultations in addressing key issues and solutions for reducing SLCPs from MSW1.

Clean Air for a Sustainable Future: A Transdisciplinary Approach to Mitigate Emissions of Black Carbon (BC) in Metro Manila, Philippines (TAME-BC)

Started in 2019, the aim of the project is to reduce BC emission levels in Metro Manila, a megacity with high rates of urbanization, through the development of policies, measures and technological innovations and to spread awareness on air pollution to different stakeholders.

 

5. Update of the Integrated Air Quality Improvement Framework – National Air Quality Control Action Plan (IAQIF-NAQCAP)

From January 24-26, 2024, DENR-EMB conducted a consultation meeting in Makati City to discuss the revision and update of DENR Administrative Order 2000-82 and RA 8749, the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999. The meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government representatives from the EMB Central and Regional Offices, the Department of Transportation, Department of Energy, Department of Health, Department of Science and Technology, and the Climate Change Commission. Private sector representatives from Clean Air Asia, Partnership for Clean Air, and Manila Observatory also participated. Discussions focused on key topics such as Mass Emission Rate Standards (MERS), management of stationary, mobile, and area sources, and the proposed implementation of Euro 5 Emission and Fuel Standards. The results of the discussion and feedback gathered will also inform the development of the final 10-Year Air Quality Roadmap by the EMB3.

Another meeting was held on March 13, 2024, to discuss the update of the IAQIF-NAQCAP. During this meeting, participants focused on the creation of six pioneering policies aimed at reducing air pollution from mobile sources, including a new initiative to address noise emissions from motorcycles and tricycles. Additionally, the development of eight policies was discussed to address airshed and ambient air quality concerns, with guidelines targeting hazardous pollutants such as black carbon, dioxins, furans, and trace metals4.

Research and assessment aligned with the Hazardous Air Pollutant Project have been conducted in collaboration with the University of the Philippines Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (UP-IESM). The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Method TO-09A and Method 23 were used for air sampling of dioxins and furans, respectively, in areas near open burning activities, industrial facilities, and waste treatment facilities. The results, along with stakeholder consultations, will be utilized to develop ambient air quality guidelines for dioxins and furans5.

 

Conclusion

The Philippines is actively working to update and enhance its air quality guidelines and framework to address emerging environmental challenges. Through the development of pioneering policies, targeted initiatives, and collaborative efforts with various stakeholders, groups, and institutions, the country aims to significantly reduce air pollution from multiple sources. These comprehensive measures, informed by the latest research and international best practices, are crucial for safeguarding public health and ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations. The ongoing revisions and projects demonstrate a strong commitment to improving air quality and tackling the evolving issues posed by modern and persistent pollutants.

 

References

  1. Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau. National Air Quality Status Report 2019/2020.
    https://air.emb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/09192022_NAQSR-2019-2020-FV.pdf (2022).
  2. Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau. Intensified Environmental Protection: Clean Air. Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau
    https://denr.gov.ph/priority-program/clean-air-program/ (2024).
  3. Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau. EMB Conducts Stakeholder Consultation Meeting for the Updating of the IAQIF-NAQCAP. Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau
    https://air.emb.gov.ph/emb-conducts-stakeholder-consultation-meeting-for-the-updating-of-the-iaqif-naqcap/ (2024).
  4. Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau. EMB-DENR Convenes Partners, Stakeholders to Propel Air Quality Enhancement Initiatives. Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau
    https://air.emb.gov.ph/emb-denr-convenes-partners-stakeholders-to-propel-air-quality-enhancement-initiatives/ (2024).
  5. Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau. EMB to Set Air Quality Guidelines for Dioxins and Furan to Safeguard Public Health. Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau
    https://air.emb.gov.ph/emb-to-set-air-quality-guidelines-for-dioxins-and-furans-to-safeguard-public-health/ (2024).