DENR launches EU-backed air quality monitoring system

Officials from the DENR and the EU showcased one of four real-time air quality monitoring stations at a press event at the NAMRIA complex in Taguig on Thursday, June 1. In photo are (L to R) EU SWITCH senior science expert Dr. Juergen Bischoff, EU SWITCH team leader Dr. Channa Gunawardena, EU ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen, DENR assistant secretary Rommel Abesamis, and NAMRIA director Peter Tiangco. Photo: TJ Dimacali

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Thursday, June 1, launched a Metro Manila-wide real-time air quality monitoring system with support from the European Union (EU).

The joint project is part of the EU’s SWITCH-Asia technical assistance program, which is committed to provide 3.5 million euros (P190 million) in aid to the Philippines.

EU ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen underscored the importance of science-based government policy making.

“If we don’t have the data, we don’t know what to do. It’s key for policy decisions,” he said of the EU’s own experience.

“It is important to collect data to assess the impact of air pollution on the public and to (help the Philippine government) formulate air quality management strategies,” added Dr. Juergen Bischoff, SWITCH’s senior science expert.

EU SWITCH senior science expert Dr. Juergen Bischoff (2nd from left) explains the workings of the new air quality monitoring station in the NAMRIA complex in Taguig on Thursday, June 1. Looking on are (L to R) NAMRIA director Peter Tiangco, EU ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen, and DENR assistant secretary Rommel Abesamis. Photo: TJ Dimacali

Air Quality Manila was conducted in support of the DENR’s environmental education initiatives and implementation of the Clean Air Act. It aims to provide real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) values for the nation’s capital.

So far, four monitoring stations have been set up in NAMRIA in Taguig City; Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City; Clark, Pampanga; and Indang, Cavite.

The AQI is a system used by the US’ Environmental Protection Agency that is based on the levels of ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particles in the air.

The data is provided free to the public via the DENR’s Air Quality Manila website. 

The project currently serves to augment the DENR’s existing complement of 49 air quality monitoring stations across the country, but the agency is mulling the nationwide adoption of the AQI system, according to SWITCH team leader Dr. Channna Gunawardena.

“The data will be incorporated into our existing Philippine Air Quality Index system,” said the DENR’s Ms. Teresita Peralta. — MDM, GMA News