"To be honest with you, the fight for clean air is something personal to me. My son has asthma, and this happened so many years ago, and you can probably imagine how much worse pollution is right now in the country."
"From there on I said to myself, we should do something for the environment to avoid aggravation of such illnesses. Indeed, loss of life is enough reason for us to drive for an environmentally sustainable public transport system here in the Philippines."
This is an excerpt (along with the other quoted paragraphs here in this article) from the speech by Department of Transportation Secretary Art Tugade delivered during a recent forum in Quezon CIty.
Mr. Tugade's reasons to push for cleaner air may be personal but whether we like it or not, the air we breathe is one of the basic needs we cannot live without. The quality of our air is crucial for human life to also live in quality.
However, air pollution has become a serious threat. Our modern day activities are altering our atmosphere at an unprecedented scale. This has an impact on air quality and is affecting people's health not only here in Metro Manila, but the entire country, and the world as well.
Data even show that at least 90 percent in the urbanized regions of the population is exposed to harmful levels of air pollution.
According to a World Health Organization (WHO) study, adverse air quality is responsible for around 2.2 million of the world's seven million premature deaths.
In the Philippines, air pollution has become one of the biggest health emergencies, recording a total of 45.3 deaths for every 100,000 people due to air pollution-the third-highest in the world, based on the 2018 WHO study.
Those deaths are tied to fine particulate matter in polluted air that penetrate deep into our lungs and cardiovascular systems, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, like asthma, and respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, and also impacting our cognitive abilities in one way or another.
Recent studies have also shown that even relatively low levels of air pollution can affect people's health, and this is also very alarming.
Here's one major cause of pollution. Based on data provided by the Department of Transportation, more than 70 percent of pollutants come from mobile sources-the car you drive, or the jeepney or bus you ride every day to and from work, compared to those sources that are stationary such as a building or facility that emits air pollutant, showing that the current transport sector is a major contributor for the pollution in our atmosphere.
Of this number, roughly 17 percent of ambient air pollution comes from the iconic jeepney plying tirelessly along the streets of Metro Manila.
"Let's face it, pollution is a silent killer. We go on with our daily lives commuting not fully aware that we are filling our lungs with toxic chemicals."
"Shouldn't we do something about this now so that the next generation will have a clean place to live in?"
In order to better address this problem and find viable, sustainable solutions, government has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and embarked on mainstreaming the Low Carbon Urban Transport System in the Philippines Project.
Proponents say this will help create an enabling environment for the commercialization of low carbon urban transport systems in the country through effective enforcement of policies and support provided for the promotion of low carbon modes of transport; the adoption and implementation of low carbon transport plans and programs in major cities; and increasing private sector participation and investments in the widespread deployment and commercialization of low carbon transport systems.
"For President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, pollution from our public transport is a clear obstacle towards the goal of making every Filipino life comfortable. That is why when we assume position in 2016, we launched the Duterte administration infrastructure flagship program, the now famous public utility vehicle modernization program."
"Under the PUVMP, we are giving everyone a new way of life when it comes to public transport. We are changing the commuting experience for the riding the public, and we're also giving our drivers and operators a stable livelihood. But let's not forget its ripple effect."
"By modernizing our public transportation system, we are also curbing the pollution that it contributes thereby."
Consider this, lesser vehicles would always mean lesser pollution, right?
For this reason, government has ongoing construction of multiple railway projects across the country.
The Philippines' first hybrid train developed by the Department of Science and Technology will have a maximum capacity of 880 passengers. The train is similar to hybrid electric cars because it makes use of a hybrid diesel-powered generator and batteries.
On the other hand, an electric bus travelling for a year can help reduce the consumption of around 30 thousand liters of diesel; and 40 thousand kilograms of carbon dioxide and 65 thousand kilograms of particulate matter from being released in the atmosphere.
"Why is it that railways are important for our country and the environment? Is because it is one of the best strategies for mobility management by taking people out of their private vehicles and putting them in higher capacities vehicles. We're able to reduce the demand on our streets."
But not only that, through our National Transport Policy, government now recognizes the need for the establishment of people-friendly and alternative modes of transportation for others, such as walking and cycling, for instance.
Government is also promoting green spaces in the National Capital Region thru the Metro Manila Greenways Project. Under this initiative, the public will be given elevated walkways that serve as alternative form of transport-ways to facilitate movement from various forms.
Again, the key is awareness on how important it is for transport to be properly managed to also impact the environment.
Citing the Philippines has one of the worst traffic on Earth, one company, GET Comet believes that we need less cars and more public transport. It manufactures electric vehicles that have zero emissions.
On top of that, their high capacity, latest generation electric buses offer air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and access for people with mobility disabilities.
Ms. Kyle Tinga, a sustainable transport specialist there also presented their proprietary mobile app that provides real-time travel schedules making transport more efficient and organized.
Lastly, to allay fears that this kind of conveyance technology will displace current drivers and owners of public utilities, the company re-introduced a more resourceful and more profitable opportunity for everyone-crowdfunding the fleet.
For us new to the concept, it is the practice of funding a project or venture by raising many small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via online or other networking means.
Crowdfunding has been a potentially powerful "bottom-up" tool to help economic development and create jobs through access to capital, and provide the guidance and mentorship businesses need to find revenue growth.
Mr. Robert Cang of the Lagao Drivers Operators Transport Cooperative based in General Santos City said their drivers save around P420 per day in fuel cost just by shifting to the use of e-Jeepneys or electrically propelled jeepneys compared to the traditional multicabs. He said the e-Jeepneys also carry more passengers per trip that also add up to their total earnings.
"Just imagine how much we can achieve if we compile all our best ideas and work together to curb pollution."
"If we took all these projects and initiatives together, we'll be contributing to the campaign for the environment. Change has indeed begun, and we can further push for the deployment of modern vehicles that are environmentally sustainable. Let us come together and empower our country's low carbon systems. Today, let us embrace the idea of an environment-friendly transportation system and turn it into reality, so that the future sons and daughters of this generation will live in a clean environment." (PIA NCR)
FAQs
Why is air pollution a problem in the Philippines? ›
In the Philippines, coal-fired plants contribute a lion's share to air pollution in host provinces, while vehicular emissions are the main culprit in the country's urban centers.
Is pollution a serious problem in the Philippines? ›Air Pollution
For the most part, air pollution in the Philippines stems from the burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil. Considering that 53% of the population is without access to clean fuels and technology for cooking, this is bound to further exacerbate air quality in the long run.
In the southeast Asian region — where the Philippines is located — the average PM2.5 concentration is 21 μg/m3 annually, over twice the recommended value.
What is air pollution in short answer? ›Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical, physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere. Household combustion devices, motor vehicles, industrial facilities and forest fires are common sources of air pollution.
Is pollution common in the Philippines? ›Air pollution has long been seen as a problem in the Philippines.
What is the current issue in the Philippines? ›The country's 52-year-long communist insurgency continued in 2021. During counter-insurgency operations against the New People's Army (NPA), government security forces frequently targeted leftist activists, including peasant leaders, environmentalists, human rights lawyers, and Indigenous group heads, among others.
How does pollution affect Philippines? ›Air pollution continues to negatively impact the health of Filipinos. For instance, traffic enforcers in Metro Manila, who are constantly exposed to high PM2·5 concentrations, are 1·24 times more likely to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
What are the effects of pollution in the Philippines? ›Pollution may muddy landscapes, poison soils and waterways, or kill plants and animals. The effect of Pollution on habitat have a domino effect on biodiversity loss.
What is the biggest threat to the environment in the Philippines? ›Increased population density and urban sprawl
Population pressure as a threat to biodiversity stems mainly from the encroachment into, and exploitation of, biologically important areas by impoverished people whose primary concern is survival.
Vehicle emissions, fuel oils and natural gas to heat homes, by-products of manufacturing and power generation, particularly coal-fueled power plants, and fumes from chemical production are the primary sources of human-made air pollution.
How is Philippines affected by climate change? ›
Climate Projections for Provinces
Heavy daily rainfall will continue to become more frequent, extreme rainfall is projected to increase in Luzon and Visayas only, but number of dry days is expected to increase in all parts of the country in 2020 and 2050.
According to the 2019 World Air Quality report, the Philippines was said to have 17.6 ug/m3 of PM2. 5 – holding the 57th place from the country with the worst air quality. In contrast, the Philippines ranks as the country with the lowest pollutant amongst Southeast Asia countries.
How can we solve air pollution? ›- Reduce the number of trips you take in your car.
- Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
- Avoid burning leaves, trash, and other materials.
- Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
- Drive your car less. ...
- Keep your car in good repair. ...
- Turn off your engine. ...
- Don't burn your garbage. ...
- Limit backyards fire in the city. ...
- Plant and care for trees. ...
- Switch to electric or hand-powered lawn equipment. ...
- Use less energy.
Essay on Air Pollution– Earlier the air we breathe in use to be pure and fresh. But, due to increasing industrialization and concentration of poisonous gases in the environment the air is getting more and more toxic day by day. Also, these gases are the cause of many respiratory and other diseases.
What are the major issues in the Philippines? ›- Unending “Drug War”
- Political Killings, Threats, Harassment.
- Freedom of Media.
- Death Penalty.
- Covid-19.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE PLASTIC POLLUTION IN THE PHILIPPINES. The usage of single-use plastics is rampant in the Philippines. This is because corporations package their products in sachets to reach and accommodate the poor sector of the Filipino population.
What are the 3 environmental issues in the Philippines? ›Today, environmental problems in the Philippines include pollution, illegal mining and logging, deforestation, threats to environmental activists, dynamite fishing, landslides, coastal erosion, biodiversity loss, extinction, global warming and climate change.
What are the 5 issues in the Philippines? ›Poverty, lack of education, drug or substance abuse, vice, crime and unemployment are among the many problems that continue to batter them.
How much pollution does the Philippines produce? ›| Year | Fossil CO2 Emissions (tons) | CO2 emisions change |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 126,922,662 | 12.37% |
| 2015 | 112,951,207 | 9.30% |
| 2014 | 103,336,531 | 6.99% |
| 2013 | 96,586,199 | 11.17% |
What are the 3 main effects of air pollution? ›
Long-term health effects from air pollution include heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases such as emphysema.
What are the primary sources of air pollution in the Philippines? ›As per National Emission Inventory of 2015, about 88 percent of air pollutants are emitted from the mobile sources, 10 percent from stationary sources such as power plants and factories, and 2 percent from area sources such as constructions, open burning of solid wastes in National Capital Region (NCR) of Manila.
What is the most polluted city in the Philippines? ›This is due to its high exposure to natural hazards (cyclones, landslides, floods, droughts), dependence on climate-sensitive natural resources, and vast coastlines where all of its major cities and the majority of the population reside.
What are the threat to the Philippine culture? ›The biggest challenges to the survival of Filipino culture are the people's xenophobic tendencies and colonial mindset. We must act to stop it from completely disappearing since it is on the verge of disappearing and may never return. The Philippines' culture is heavily influenced by and protected by the government.
What are the environmental issues in the Philippines 2022? ›- Plastic Pollution.
- Deforestation.
- The Rising Temperatures Threaten the Health, Livelihoods and Quality of Life of Filipinos.
- Sea Level Rise, Damage to Coastal Areas and Marine Life.
Exposure to air pollution can affect everyone's health. When we breathe in air pollutants, they can enter our bloodstream and contribute to coughing or itchy eyes and cause or worsen many breathing and lung diseases, leading to hospitalizations, cancer, or even premature death.
How does air pollution affect our health? ›Exposure to high levels of air pollution can cause a variety of adverse health outcomes. It increases the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease and lung cancer. Both short and long term exposure to air pollutants have been associated with health impacts. More severe impacts affect people who are already ill.
Why is pollution a problem? ›Pollution stunts economic growth, exacerbates poverty and inequality in both urban and rural areas and significantly contributes to climate change. Poor people, who cannot afford to protect themselves from the negative impacts of pollution, end up suffering the most.
How can we solve climate change in the Philippines? ›- Renewable energies. Changing our main energy sources to clean and renewable energy. ...
- Sustainable transportation. ...
- Air pollution prevention. ...
- Waste Management & recycling. ...
- Sea and Ocean preservation. ...
- Circular economy.
What are the six ways that climate change can affect the Philippines? ›
- More intense El Niño. ...
- Sea surface temperatures to rise. ...
- Ocean acidification. ...
- Sea levels to rise by 4 to 6 meters. ...
- Tropical cyclones to intensify. ...
- Rainfall, river flow and flooding to intensify.
If nothing is done, climate change will impose substantial economic and human costs, reducing GDP by as much as 13.6 percent of GDP by 2040, with the poorest households most affected. These effects are likely to vary across and within regions.
What is the biggest pollution in the Philippines? ›According to a joint study conducted by Greenpeace Philippines and Harvard University in 2016, coal-fired power plants expose everyone in the Philippines to toxic pollution, resulting in hundreds of premature deaths every year.
Why is it important to stop pollution? ›Reducing pollutants in the air is important for human health and the environment. Poor air quality has harmful effects on human health, particularly the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Pollutants can also damage plants and buildings, and smoke or haze can reduce visibility.
How to solve the problem of pollution essay? ›The first way to reduce pollution is to practice the 3Rs concept namely reduce, reuse and recycle. Citizens should reduce the usage of air-conditioners as it will release harmful gases , for instant ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons which will result in reducing air pollution.
How do you start a air pollution speech? ›My Greetings to everybody present over here and thanks for giving your precious time. Today I would like to deliver a speech on Air Pollution which has become a major challenge in recent times. In spite of a monologue, I would like it to be a fruitful interaction, hence your views are welcome.
What is air pollution and its causes effects and prevention? ›The air pollution definition says that when any physical, chemical, or biological change takes place in the air and contaminates it, then it is called air pollution. The contamination of air can be caused due to many factors such as poisonous or harmful gases, smoke, fog, smog, dust, etc.
Why do you think air pollution is much worse in developing countries like the Phils than in developed countries what should developed countries do about this? ›Air pollution in developing countries tends to be worse than in developed countries because poor countries often lack the technology and resources to fight pollution.
How does Philippines rank globally in air pollution? ›According to the 2019 World Air Quality report, the Philippines was said to have 17.6 ug/m3 of PM2. 5 – holding the 57th place from the country with the worst air quality. In contrast, the Philippines ranks as the country with the lowest pollutant amongst Southeast Asia countries.
What is the main problem with air pollution? ›Air pollution is bad for our health
Invisible particles penetrate every cell and organ in our bodies, causing acute and chronic diseases, including asthma, strokes, heart attacks and dementia. Outdoor air pollution causes around 4.2 million early deaths every year.
How can air pollution be controlled in the Philippines? ›
Limit the use of air conditioning units and keep the temperature a few degrees higher. Don't burn garbage. Avoid using aerosols. Properly dispose of refrigerant, refrigeration equipment, and used coolant.
Is air pollution a problem in the Philippines? ›Air pollution continues to negatively impact the health of Filipinos. For instance, traffic enforcers in Metro Manila, who are constantly exposed to high PM2·5 concentrations, are 1·24 times more likely to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Why is the Philippines exposed to the dangers of climate change? ›This is due to its high exposure to natural hazards (cyclones, landslides, floods, droughts), dependence on climate-sensitive natural resources, and vast coastlines where all of its major cities and the majority of the population reside.
Why is the Philippines suffering from climate change? ›The most recent scientific assessments have confirmed that this warming of the climate system since the mid-20th century is most likely to be due to human activities; and thus, is due to the observed increase in greenhouse gas concentrations from human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels and land use change ...
What city is the most air polluted in the Philippines as of today? ›| # | city | US AQI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mandaluyong, National Capital Region | 70 |
| 2 | Naga, Bicol | 70 |
| 3 | Batangas, Calabarzon | 67 |
| 4 | Balanga, Central Luzon | 65 |
Pollution is the largest environmental cause of disease and premature death. Pollution causes more than 9 million premature deaths, the majority of them due to air pollution. That's several times more deaths than from AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria combined.
How does pollution affect humans? ›Exposure to high levels of air pollution can cause a variety of adverse health outcomes. It increases the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease and lung cancer. Both short and long term exposure to air pollutants have been associated with health impacts. More severe impacts affect people who are already ill.
How can we solve or reduce air pollution? ›- Reduce the number of trips you take in your car.
- Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
- Avoid burning leaves, trash, and other materials.
- Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
- Drive your car less. ...
- Keep your car in good repair. ...
- Turn off your engine. ...
- Don't burn your garbage. ...
- Limit backyards fire in the city. ...
- Plant and care for trees. ...
- Switch to electric or hand-powered lawn equipment. ...
- Use less energy.