- guidelines and standards for dioxins and furans
- guidelines for the accreditation by the Department of Trade and Industry of emission testing centers for smoke-belchers
- establishment of airsheds
- establishment of an air emission inventory database
The Metro Manila Air Quality Improvement Sector Development Program (MMAQISDP) is a comprehensive government effort to support the implementation of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 and to address issues in air quality management.
The objective of the Program is to promote policy reforms and investment requirements that improve air quality through the abatement of mobile and stationary sources of air pollution, all integrated within an agreed policy matrix termed the Air Quality Action Plan. It focuses on the Metro Manila air shed, the location of the main concentrations of air pollution, which consists of the National Capital Region, and parts of Regions III and IV-A.
The Program is financed by a combination of loan and grant assistance from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan Bank of International Corporation (JBIC) specifically
- policy loan of $200 million from ADB and $300 million from JBIC to implement the policy reforms under the Program
- investment loan of $25 million from ADB for the establishment of an Air Pollution Control Credit Facility that will assist industries, commercial establishments and the transport sector to make investments necessary for the monitoring and reduction of air emissions
- investment loan of $71 million from ADB to finance part of the necessary public sector investments
- technical assistance (TA) grant of $1.5 million to develop air emission policies and enhance public awareness to support the abatement of air pollution
The key air emission issues addressed by the Air Quality Action Plan, to be implemented as Program Components are
- mitigation air pollution from stationary sources
- mitigation air pollution from mobile sources
- improvement of fuel quality
- reduction of emissions from vehicular use
- reduction of traffic congestion and improvement of traffic flow
- strengthening of ambient air quality monitoring, reporting and evaluation
- intensification of public awareness
- coordination and monitor implementation of AQAP
- strengthening the capacity of the institutions involved
The Program’s Policy Loan started on 1999 and was set to end on 2002. However, the closing date for the policy loan was extended for a year (until 2003) to complete certain activities designed to improve air quality whose implementation has been delayed. The Program’s Investment Loan also started on 1999 and was set to end on 2003. Due to the delayed procurement of some goods and consultancy services of some of the Program components, the Investment Loan was also extended for three year (until 2006).
The DENR, through the EMB, is the lead implementing agency of the Program. Participating agencies include the DOTC, DTI, DOE, DOST, DOH, DPWH, MMDA and LBP. Several projects/consultancy services were commissioned under the Program.
Title: Ambient Air Quality Monitoring
Period: November 2002 to 2006
Objectives:To provide ambient air quality data for the use of the EMB-DENR in policy formulation and enforcement, and at the same time raise the awareness and consciousness of the general public on air pollution matters by rehabilitating the DENR’s nine (9) air quality monitoring stations and one (1) mobile station which shall compose the air quality
Progress:On 1 October 2003, the monitoring stations in Valenzuela and Ateneo were launched. As of 31 March 2004, eight of the nine stationary monitoring stations are operational. For purposes of public dissemination of the ambient air quality data from the monitoring stations, the DENR, in collaboration with a private company (ADSPACE), will install air quality index boards (Airboards) within the Metro Manila airshed. The first Airboard was launched in November 2003 in Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City
Proponent: ETI-IMACH, DENR
Financing: $6,163,015.00
Title: Institutional Strengthening and Capacity Building
Period: November 2003 to 2006
Objectives: To increase capability and capacity of the DENR-EMB to manage data generated from the point source air quality emission measurement program, and increase enforcement of stationary source permitting and emission requirements in MM Airshed by developing guidelines and procedures, strengthening the enforcement capacity, strengthening of regional capacity for management of stationary source emissions, and training and capacity building
Progress: The Project team has been mobilized and is gathering information for the preparation of the project’s inception report.
Proponent: OPCV-ESA, DENR
Financing: $2,626,005.00
Title: Outsourcing Stack Measurements of Air Emissions (Sampling Contract)
Period: February 2004 to 2006
Objectives: To assist EMB in the formulation of sampling plan and to conduct source sampling of at least 960 industrial sources located in the MM Airshed over a 3-year period.
Progress: The Project Team has met with representatives from the three EMB regional offices and the AQMS of EMB-CO to settle procedures to be followed and gather information in preparation for the actual implementation of the contract. An inception report has been submitted.
Proponent: TRC, DENR
Financing: $2,328,129.00
Title: Outsourcing Stack Measurements of Air Emissions (Support Contract)
Period: February 2004 to 2006
Objectives: To conduct QA/QC for sampling tests and laboratory analyses to validate results of the sampling contract. Training of sampling procedures, auditing and laboratory analyses for agency personnel are also included in the package.
Progress: The Project Team has met with representatives from the three EMB regional offices and the AQMS of EMB-CO to settle procedures to be followed and gather information in preparation for the actual implementation of the contract. An inception report has been submitted.
Proponent: SKM, DENR
Financing: $1,111,633.00
Title: Road Rehabilitation
Period: 1999 to ----
Objectives: To strengthen the MM thoroughfare system through the rehabilitation of the pavement and improvement of the road storm water drainage structures
Progress: The detailed engineering designs for the 53.4 km of pavement to be improved, divided into five packages, specifically, 20 cm asphalt overlay, have been prepared. However, the bidding for the contract of the five packages is held in abeyance, pending the approval of the said design by the Metro Manila Regional Development Council.
Proponent: Renardet S.A, DPWH
Financing: $53,852,418.18
Title: Traffic Engineering and Management
Period: 1999 to 2006
Objective: To establish appropriate transport policies to improve future accessibility and minimize traffic congestion
Progress: Construction of footbridges along major roads has been started. Equipment for traffic enforcement (handheld radios and motor vehicles) have been procured and is now being employed by the Traffic Operations Center. Bidding documents for several transport policy studies are being prepared (Inter-modal terminal, travel demand management, and Public Transport Passenger Demand and Requirements).
Proponent: Halcrow Inc., MMDA
Financing: $185,089.00
Title: Smoke-Free EDSA Campaign
Period: October 2003 to -----
Objective: To reduce ambient TSP concentration in Metro Manila through the conduct of an intensified anti-smoke belching (ASB) program
Progress: For the last quarter of 2003, the proportion of vehicles that were not able to meet the emission standards during roadside inspection decreased; from 80% in January to 60% in December. TSP levels in many municipalities decreased, except for two. Due to the relative success of the campaign, it is planned that the implementation period be extended, along with the coverage area.
Proponent: DENR, MMDA, DOTC, LTO, LGUs and Bantay Kalikasan
Title: Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Master Plan
Period: August 2003 to --------
Objective: To examine the possibility of using CNG as an alternative fuel for public transport vehicles
Result: The master plan has been prepared but has yet to be approved by the ADB. Upon approval, the master plan would be implemented and would include programs that would extend for a number of years.
Proponent: DOE
Financing: $100,000.00
Title: Ambient Air Quality Auditing (QA/QC)
Period: April 2004 to 2006
Objectives: To develop (with DENR-EMB staff) an ambient air quality management plan and air quality data quality assurance plan, to conduct third party quality assurance (QA) practices such as network audits and reconciliation of DQOs and to strengthen EMB’s data QA, data management and interpretation capabilities through training.
Proponent: DENR
Financing: $730,000.00
Title: Technical Secretariat for the Metro Manila Airshed Governing Board
Period:----------
Objectives: To assist the Governing Board in the aspects of air pollution management including capacity building, enforcement and data collection and to develop strategies, action plans and programs on air quality management policies, institutional development, compliance to rules and regulations and public participation and awareness, among others.
Proponent: DENR
Financing: still for bidding
Title: Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS)
Period:----------
Objective: To identify high-polluting vehicles and rectify their mechanical faults.
Proponent: DOTC
Financing:----------
Title: Public Health Monitoring: Field Survey
Period: September 2002 to March 2004
Objective: To identify key indicators of air pollution–related health impacts of selected population groups, to progressively monitor the impact of changing ambient air pollution levels and associated control strategies on health, including acute and chronic effects, to delineate the positive health impacts resulting from the implementation of various air pollution control measures of the MMAQISDP, and to formulate policies for the institutionalization of public health monitoring as part of the Philippine sustainable development agenda.
Results: Three separate studies have been conducted (Health Risk Assessment, Prospective Study of Sentinel Communities, and Health Risk Perception Survey) and completed as of December 2003. Several monitoring equipment, computer software and office equipment have been procured for public health monitoring.
Proponent: WHO, DOH
Financing: $26,500 (study) and $150,000.00 (equipment)
Title: Public Awareness
Period: July 2003 to February 2004
Objectives: To promote awareness of the relevant provisions of the Clean Air Act, promote awareness of the MMAQISDP, and provide information on clean air in order to encourage change of behavior and practices
Result: Several forums and training workshops have been conducted to address pollution from mobile sources attended by representatives from LGUs, and bus operators, drivers and mechanics. Handbooks have also been prepared to serve as reference after the conduct of training workshops (Web Writing, Technical Writing, Process Documentation, and Media Crises Handling) for the improvement of capabilities of DENR personnel. The project team also handled the launching of the SMOKE FREE EDSA Campaign and the celebration of the Clean Air Month last November 2003.
Proponent: AIJC, DENR
Financing: $117,725.24
Title: Strengthening of the Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB)
Period: January 2003 to October 2003
Objectives: To evaluate the current procedures and operations of the PAB, and the extent of its powers, organizational capabilities and limitations.
Result: Concrete recommendations for the improvement of PAB’s capability and capacity (documented in an Organizational Handbook and Capacity Building Program) were submitted at the termination of the TA.
Proponent: DENR
Financing: $275,000.00
Title: Air Pollution Control Credit Facility (APCCF)
Period: January 1999 to December 2003
Objectives: To improve air quality in Metro Manila and other urban cities by providing resources for the purchase/installation of pollution control and air quality monitoring equipment, for the procurement of new processes and other source equipment, and for the procurement and rehabilitation of public transport fleet.
Result: The APCCF loan was closed on December 2003 with 21% utilization of the total funds. Of the disbursed amount, two accounts were from the transport sector and another two from the industry sector (a power plant and a sugar mill).
Proponent: LBP
Financing: $25,000,000.00
Title: Baseline Health Profiling Study
Period: November 1999 to April 2001
Objectives: To establish a database for assessing the impacts of air pollution on the health of selected vulnerable population groups using parameters such as frequency of pollution–related illnesses as reported in various medical facilities, blood lead levels and carboxyhemoglobin levels, and indoor air quality
Result: The stable monthly combined and disease specific morbidity indicated that air pollution factors that have an impact on respiratory health have also been stable for the same period (1997 to 1999). Emergency room (ER) consultation data also showed no significant difference ER diagnosis trends of respiratory illnesses. A significant proportion of 6-10 year old children in the study households exceeded the WHO guidance value for children. Information from this study confirmed the need for continuous public health monitoring and the need to improve public awareness.
Proponent: DOH
Financing: $5,200.00
Title: Market-based Policy Instruments for MM Air Quality Management
Period: May 1999 to September 1999
Objectives: To explore the application of specific market-based instruments for air quality management in Metro Manila for both stationary and mobile sources
Result: Recommended control policies include a pilot diesel retrofit program for utility vehicles, a revision to the existing diesel tax to encourage reduction of diesel fuel sulfur content to the 500 ppm by 2004, and an emission fee program for stationary sources.
Proponent: DENR
Financing: $80,000.00
Name: Engr. Julian D. Amador
Position: Director
Phone: (632)9202260 or (632)9271517
Fax: (632)9271518
E-mail: emb@emb.gov.ph
Website: http://www.emb@denr.gov.ph
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