A.

Article
Are Filipinos experiencing ‘wildfire’ pollution every day?
DRIVEN - Atty. Karen V. Jimeno (The Philippine Star) - November 28, 2018 - 12:00am

"Air pollution affects each and every one of us. We need stronger coordination and
wider collaboration so we can once and for all solve our air pollution problem.”
BERKELEY, California —Breathing air is fundamental for human survival. But because
breathing comes so naturally, it’s easy to take air for granted. California’s recent wildfires
brought my attention to air quality. I wrote this column from my home in Berkeley while on
“house detention” — we were advised to stay indoors with all windows closed and to avoid
outdoor activities.

The air quality in the Bay Area and Northern California deteriorated to unhealthy/hazardous
levels that it prompted UC Berkeley (my school) to cancel the much-awaited Stanford vs UC
Berkeley football game and suspend classes for the rest of the week until after Thanksgiving.

Based on air quality advisories, the “hazardous” air quality in Berkeley City and the Bay Area
reached 200+ Ambient Particulate Matter (APM).

While wildfires are not a serious threat to the Philippines, air pollution is a year-round
perennial problem in the country. A 2018 World Health Organization (WHO) report found
that the Philippines ranked third in the world as having the most number of deaths due to air
pollution (after China and Mongolia). One in four deaths in the Philippines are attributed to
air pollution. When the size of particulate matter in the air is 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) and
below, it penetrates into a person’s respiratory and cardiovascular system leading to serious
health problems such as pulmonary disease, lung cancer, pneumonia, heart disease and
stroke.

To put things in perspective, the safe level for PM2.5 is 50 micrograms per cubic meter
(µg/m3) of air. Data from air monitoring stations in 2017 showed alarming figures for air
quality in several parts of Metro Manila such as Quezon City (369 µg/nm), Taft Avenue,
Manila (448 µg/nm), Paranaque (433 µg/nm) and Valenzuela (285 µg/nm). These values
ranged from 500 to 900 percent beyond the recommended safe level.

UNICEF’s Air Pollution Report says that outdoor air pollution is most common in low-income,
urban areas and is caused by vehicle emissions, heavy use of fossil fuels, dust, and burning of
waste.

In the Philippines, air pollution is a problem that cuts among demographics, affecting rich
and poor people alike. “Air pollution affects each and every one of us. We need stronger
coordination and wider collaboration so we can once and for all solve our air pollution
problem,” said Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu.

The Philippines’ Clean Air Act of 1999 (Republic Act No. 8749) is almost two decades old, yet
enforcement seems to be an issue as the quality of air in the Philippines continues to
deteriorate. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) says it is working
with the Department of Health and WHO to decrease the environmental health risk of air
pollution by improving the linkage of air quality and health monitoring, reviewing the air
quality index, and strengthening the health impact assessment for projects and activities that
may cause air pollution. The DENR’s Air Quality Management Bureau and the Land
Transportation Office (LTO) are working together to track and apprehend smoke belchers.
Smoke belchers are subject to fines, license suspensions or franchise cancellations.

Nonetheless, the continued increase in the number of vehicles in the Philippines may pose
challenges to maintaining healthy levels of air quality. Carbon monoxide, a highly toxic
odorless and colorless gas, is produced from the exhaust of motor engines or combustion of
carbon-containing fuels, such as gasoline.

One of the largest sources of carbon monoxide in the Philippines are vehicle emissions. The
emissions problem in the Philippines is compounded by old, inefficient vehicles that continue
to ply the streets.

A 2003 air pollution study by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) also found that a large
fraction of Metro Manila’s vehicle emission sources includes motorcycles with inefficient
two-stroke engines.

The ADB study’s recommendations included a pilot program for retrofitting particulate traps
on diesel vehicles. Solving the Philippines’ air pollution problems would require a host of
solutions — jeepney modernization, mandatory phaseout of old/fuel-inefficient vehicles,
incentives for hybrid vehicles, construction of mass transit systems, strict enforcement of the
Clean Air Act, and other regulatory measures related to non-vehicle sources of air pollution.

Undoubtedly, these solutions take time to implement. While the Philippines tries to go down
the global ranking of having the third highest deaths caused by air pollution, it should take a
precautionary approach to protect the health of Filipinos in the same way that California has
been doing for its residents. There should be heightened awareness through information
dissemination, public announcements through the news or social media, regular updates on
air quality, advisories on when to avoid outdoor activities (when APM or PM2.5 are at
hazardous levels), and provision of masks as a health intervention (particularly for those
publicly commuting in highly polluted areas).
While air is necessary for survival, breathing in polluted air is a threat to the health and
existence of humans. It’s a risk that Filipinos should be aware of, and most Filipinos are
exposed to this risk everyday even without wildfires in the country.

Water shortage in the Philippines threatens sustainable development

and health
The World Health Organization - 22 March 2019

Everyone, everywhere has the right to water. Unfortunately, billions of people around the
world have no access to safely managed drinking water, defined as water that is accessible
on premises, available when needed and free from contamination. In the Philippines, around
1 in 10 people still do not have access to improved water sources.

Water-related advocacy such as World Water Day, celebrated every 22 March, is crucial in
bringing global attention to the importance of water. This year’s World Water Day theme is
‘Leaving no one behind’.

“Water is an extremely important resource that we cannot live without. But there are
Filipinos who are still being left behind in terms of access to improved water sources,
especially in rural communities,” said Dr Gundo Weiler, WHO Representative in the
Philippines. In 2016, one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the Philippines was acute
watery diarrhoea, claiming over 139 000 lives.

The situation could worsen as the country is beset by the El Niño phenomenon and climate
change that contribute to increase in temperature, drying up our water sources. The recent
water shortage in Metro Manila also highlights the uncertainty of water access even in the
nation’s capital.

Inadequate and intermittent water supply in Metro Manila and in other parts of the country
can have serious health consequences. When water is scarce, people are often forced to rely
on drinking water sources that may not be safe. They may also lack sufficient water for basic
hygiene - to wash themselves and their clothes, and to prevent infection including from
foodborne and waterborne diseases. Low or negative water pressure in pipes due to short
supply can attract contaminants that will put water quality at risk when the supply is
restored.

In addition, limited supply obliges people to store more water. If not handled properly, this
will provide more opportunity for mosquitoes to breed and consequently increase the cases
of mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever.

“Individuals can contribute in their own ways to protect their health from the impact of
scarce water resources by conserving and recycling water, making sure the water they drink
is safe, and covering water containers to protect against contamination and vectors,” said
Engr Bonifacio Magtibay, environmental health technical officer in WHO Philippines.
While individual contributions are vital, governments still have the obligation to provide safe
and reliable drinking water sources to people through long-term solutions. As it stands, too
much reliance on surface water such as rivers and lakes as well as groundwater will not be
sustainable in the future due to the climate reality and increasing water demand from the
population.

“Strategies such as the application of improved rainwater collection systems and state-of
the-art desalination technologies coupled with renewable energies can be used in the
Philippines,” explained Engr Magtibay. “By adopting innovative and long-term solutions, the
Philippines can ensure water for all that will protect the peoples’ health and help drive
sustainable development forward.”

The World Health Organization is working with the Philippines Department of Health and
other sector agencies to ensure safe water for all through the development and
implementation of water safety planning, strengthening systems and capacity for drinking-
water quality surveillance and monitoring, and improvement of water, sanitation, and
hygiene in health care facilities.

https://www.who.int/

Earth Hour PH 2019 shines a light on plastic pollution

By WWF

This year will be the second time that the Earth Hour uses the global theme #Connect2Earth
and continues to call for urgent need to care for the Earth’s biological diversity.

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines continues to focus on the issue of single-use
plastics and addressing it can help reverse the loss of nature.

Now on its 12th year, Earth Hour is considered as the world’s largest grassroots movement
for the environment. What started out as a campaign to engage people and create significant
environmental action against climate change has evolved into a platform that aims to raise
awareness on the importance of biodiversity as a viable resource link that families,
communities, nations, and future generations all depend upon.

“The last decade of Earth Hour has contributed so much to the global climate agenda and
has paved the way for many conservation wins. Now that we are ushering in the second year
of the movement’s new decade, our efforts will still be centered on raising awareness and
inspiring action on conserving nature and biodiversity to counter the worsening impacts of
climate change,” says WWF-Philippines Head of Climate and Energy Program and Earth Hour
Pilipinas National Director Atty. Gia Ibay.

When #Connect2Earth was launched last year, more than 17,900 landmarks and monuments
in over 180 countries and territories switched off their lights to show their commitment to
and support for raising awareness and inspiring action on conserving nature and biodiversity.
Both #Connect2Earth and #EarthHour trended in 33 countries and garnered more than 3.5
billion impressions worldwide. With these numbers, Earth Hour 2019 is an unmissable
opportunity to create an unstoppable movement for nature and WWF-Philippines is
anchoring this year’s celebration on single-use plastics, one of the biggest threats to
biodiversity.

Leveraging on the momentum of its #AyokoNgPlastik movement, WWF-Philippines hopes to

further create awareness on the dangers of single-use plastics, spark conversations, change
mindsets and habits of consumers, urge businesses to operate more sustainably, and
influence policy. Adopting the WWF network’s “No Plastics in Nature” Initiative, WWF-
Philippines believes that Earth Hour 2019 is the best way to send out a clear message to take
a stand against plastic pollution towards its ultimate goal of mobilizing public support for
legislations on plastic waste management.

“The Philippines is the 3rd major plastic polluter of oceans in the world and we, Filipinos,
must unite and create concrete steps to stop this worsening situation. We have to realize
how nature is vitally important in our daily lives and preventing single-use plastics from
entering nature is a big step towards a greener, more sustainable planet,” states WWF-
Philippines President and CEO Joel Palma as he reiterates the importance of working
together to achieve a long-term solution to this environmental problem that significantly
contributes to nature loss.

The main switch-off event of Earth Hour 2019 is slated on March 30, Saturday, at the Globe
Circuit Event Grounds in Makati from 5 pm to 10 pm, with the actual switch-off at 8:30 pm.
At least 3,000 boy scouts of the Philippines, who formalized their support, will be deployed
to the public event that will feature booths, activities, and performances that will honor the
planet. Meanwhile, everyone from all over the Philippines is also encouraged to switch off
non-essential lights from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm in solidarity with millions around the world
who will do the same.

Using this year’s official hashtags #Connect2Earth, #EarthHourPH2019, and #AyokoNgPlastik,

WWF-Philippines is encouraging everyone to harness the power of social media and help
share their commitment to start changing the planet for the better by sharing stories and
photos of their sustainable living actions, as well as their pledges to say no to single-use
plastics, via Earth Hour Philippines’ Facebook event page – http://bit.ly/EarthHourPH2019
that went live on March 1, 2019. (WWF)

City, HPG lead in destroying 220 confiscated mufflers

By Jennifer C. Tilos

Published on July 23, 2018

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, July 20 (PIA)--Dumaguete City Government, with

Provincial Highway Patrol Group (PHPG), in advancing its drive against illegal modifications
and noise pollution destroyed 220 modified mufflers installed in motor vehicles in the city.
A road roller flattened the illegally installed mufflers at the Quezon Park, where Mayor Felipe
Antonio Remollo ordered the destruction of the seized modified mufflers in and destroy
them in public.

Sr. Inspector Robelito Mariano of PHPG turned over to Remollo the modified mufflers
confiscated during checkpoints and other operations with the local police and Special
Enforcement Unit.

Remollo stressed that the city government will continue to implement the ordinance
penalizing motorists, who are using modified and noisy mufflers, to minimize complaints,
particularly from senior citizens.

However, despite suggestions that authorities should also target stores selling the modified
mufflers, there is no existing ordinance allowing the raid of stores and confiscation of illegal
items.

It was also noted that most mufflers displayed in the stores are not modified upon purchase.

Mariano said, “Buyers are the ones who decided to modify their mufflers after buying the
same.”

Meanwhile, Mariano is also finishing his tour of duty in the province after six years and will
start to conduct his farewell visits to major stakeholders.

Mayor Remollo thanked him for his service and will wait for the arrival of his replacement.

Mariano will be assigned in Region 6, his transfer may be implemented before the month of
July ends. (jct/PIA7-Negros Oriental)

B. What is Pollution?
 The act or process of polluting or the state of being polluted, especially the
contamination of soil, water, or the atmosphere by the discharge of harmful
substances.
 Pollution is something introduced into the environment that is dirty, unclean or has a
harmful effect.
THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage
Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

 Pollution is unwanted, harmful stuff contaminating an environment. The race to

develop clean energy is motivated by high levels of pollution that people fear are
permanently damaging the earth's environment.
https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/

 Pollution happens when the environment is contaminated, or dirtied, by waste,

chemicals, and other harmful substances. There are three main forms of pollution:
air, water, and land.
kids.brittanica.com
C. Possible Solution