AN ENVIRONMENTAL forum to lessen pollution was recently hosted by Prime Asia magazine and DMX Technology. At the forum, these views were expressed:

In 1973, Allan Tibby, COO of DMX Technology said, he could ride a motorcycle from Caloocan to Baclaran without choking. Now, the whole stretch is polluted by bad engines and dirty diesel fuel.

According to Roni Tapia-Merk, editor of Prime Asia magazine, our current concern about rising oil prices and drastic weather changes brought about by global warming can be addressed by the new diesel fuel technology. A recent DOH report reveals that 16 million children are affected by air pollution.

Rene Pineda of the Concerned Citizens Against Pollution said it took two years for the government to ban lead in gasoline. New technology for diesel fuel to clean up the environment will require everybody's perseverance and cooperation.

Two-stroke motorcycle engines and tricycles that use cheap fuel are top pollutants.

Mara Pardo de Tavera of the Organic Farming Movement added that farming is affected by air, soil and water pollution. She exhorted people to be passionate in demanding government involvement for the crusade for cleaner air and healthier environment.

Development
Scientists from Oxonica are involved in the development and commercialization of nanotechnology products like the new diesel fuel, Envirox, according to Hazarika.

Patteri Makitalo said that, while premium diesel costs slightly higher at pump stations, reduction in fuel consumption will bring big net savings to motorists. "If every diesel user in Metro Manila shifts to the new fuel, this would bring a visible dramatic change in air quality in six months," he said.

The independent Philippine Petroleum Corporations Association, through its chair, Fernando Martinez, who is also CEO of Eastern Petroleum, expressed support for the new fuel. Unioil, Seaoil, Flying V and Eastern service stations are gradually introducing the product to their motorist clients.