SECRETARY CIMATU’S MAIN PRIORITY IS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF OUR ENVIRONMENT, PARTICULARLY OUR AIR, WATER AND ADDRESS SOLID WASTE PROBLEMS. THUS, THE DENR WILL BE IMPLEMENTING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS.

FOR CLEAN AIR, OUR PRIORITY ACTIVITIES ARE THE FOLLOWING: (1) MONITORING OF THE COMPLIANCE OF FIRMS/INDUSTRIES; (2) OPERATIONALIZATION OF AIRSHED GOVERNING BOARDS; and (3)  CALIBRATION AND MAINTENANCE OF AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS.

The program covers the full implementation of Clean Air Act. The objective of the Clean Air Program is to come up with a comprehensive national program to achieve and maintain air quality that meets the National Air Quality Guidelines for Criteria Pollutants throughout the Philippines, while minimizing the possible associated negative impacts on the country’s economy. Thus, in order to effectively monitor and regulate all sources of air emissions, the Clean Air Program is divided into three sub programs: (1) Motor Vehicle Emission Management Program, (2) Industrial Emission Management Program, (3) Roadside ambient and general ambient air monitoring. This is to effectively manage the three sources of air emission namely mobile, stationary, and area sources.

The monitoring of roadside and general ambient air quality is an essential activity by the agency. This enables agencies and local government officers to assess the air quality in their area of jurisdiction and formulate a comprehensive policy / regulation for the betterment of their locality. As the monitoring stations are spread in Metro Manila and other highly urbanized cities, this gives better representation of the air quality nationwide. To deliver real time science based air quality monitoring data available to everyone, the installation of Real Time Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations capable of monitoring complete criteria pollutants (SO2, NO2, O3, CO, BTX, and PM10/2.5) and meteorological parameters are being implemented By making the results available on the website, anybody can see the status of air quality in their location and elsewhere. The website is also equipped with layman description relating to the concentration of air pollutant which enables non-scientific person to appreciate the information and apply it to their everyday lives. Partnership with host institutions/agencies will be encouraged for the maintenance and security of the equipment. Full operationalization of airshed nationwide and implementation of its action plan will be undertaken.