The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) is helping member cities raise environmental protection capability especially in the implementation of the 10-year old Clean Air Act.

The German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources recently held a national workshop in Makati City on the topic “Clean Air for Smaller Cities in the ASEAN region.”

Supported by the LCP, the workshop brought representatives from the cities and private sector nationwide to discuss and draft a cohesive action plan for the respective local government unit.
LCP environmental program officer Ronald Cartagena raised the urgency of enhancing cities’ environmental protection capability, noting urban areas continue facing pressure from population growth, urbanization, industrialization and shift from non-motorized to mechanized transportation, all of which exacerbate local conditions.
Cartagena said that enhancing cities’ capability is due since urban pressures are negatively affecting food security, people’s health as seen in rising incidence of lung disease incidence and tourism due to poor visibility from air pollution-generated smog.
Urban pressures are also bringing forth negative climate-related impacts like more acidification of rain.
DENR monitoring shows the Philippines’ air quality continues being below standard. The country’s total suspended particulates (TSPs) is around 99 micrograms per normal cubic meter, exceeding the standard annual 90 micrograms per normal cubic meter only.

by Lydia C. Pendon