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MMDA eyes stricter policy vs. noise pollution


The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to implement a stricter policy against noise pollution, especially on drivers of public utility vehicles who incessantly blow their horns to attract passengers. “Pinag-uusapan pa namin ang implementation,” MMDA Edsa Traffic and Transport Zone director Francisco Manalo told GMA News Online by phone Tuesday. He did not elaborate. Of all Metro Manila thoroughfares, EDSA, where thousands of public utility buses pass every day, is believed to be the noisiest. Dr. Giovanni Tapang of the UP National Institute of Physics recorded the noise level on EDSA at 85 to 90 decibels on Tuesday morning. He used a sound level meter that measures sound through a microphone that converts it into decibels. “Ito ay typical sa isang very busy thoroughfare na kung saan ay maraming sasakyan na dumadaan,” Manalo said told GMA's Love Añover on “Unang Balita,” referring to EDSA. He said 85 to 90 decibels cannot be considered harmful. He also said a sound level can damage the eardrums if it's 120 to 130 decibels and the listener is exposed to it for eight to nine hours. “Kung hindi ka mae-expose dito ng matagalan hindi naman ito makakasama sa iyo,” Manalo said, adding that thunder, rock concerts and firecrackers usually have high decibels. Manalo said residents living near busy thoroughfares should install sound barriers or walls to reduce noise since it would be impossible to totally eliminate it. — Andrei Medina/KBK, GMA News

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