Publications·December 30, 1997
Eighty percent of the Metro Manila population live in areas where the national standard for air quality is exceeded, where average TSP (total suspended particle) concentrations are frequently five times higher than the World Health Organization Air Quality Guidelines (WHO ACQ). Long-term measured lead levels also exceed both national and WHO AQC. Applying the essential components of an air quality management system to Metro Manila's pollution problem, the report suggests an action plan listing abatement measures for the short, medium, and long terms. Recommended actions fall under two categories: institutional and technical. A single institution with a clear mandate and sufficient resources should be made responsible for air quality management citywide. In addition, data gathering and processing capabilities should be improved. It is crucial that gross polluters be identified and penalized, diesel quality improved, and low-lead or unleaded gasoline made cheaper than leaded to encourage its use. Clean vehicle emissions standards should be introduced for all vehicle classes and enforced by vehicle inspection and maintenance. The sulfur content of heavy fuel should be reduced. Finally, awareness-raising through public and private organizations is key to bringing about policy changes.
This report addresses the severe air pollution crisis in Metro Manila, where 80% of the population lives in areas that exceed national air quality standards. TSP (total suspended particulates) are frequently recorded at five times the WHO Air Quality Guidelines, and lead concentrations also surpass both national and WHO thresholds.
To address this, the report applies the air quality management system (AQMS) framework to design a strategic action plan for short-, medium-, and long-term abatement. Recommended measures are categorized into two areas:
1. Institutional Actions
Assign responsibility to one central institution with a clear mandate and adequate resources.
Strengthen data collection and analysis for better-informed decisions.
Promote policy coordination and ensure enforcement mechanisms are in place.
2. Technical Actions
Identify and penalize gross polluters (especially in the transport and industrial sectors).
Improve diesel quality and make unleaded or low-lead fuels more affordable.
Introduce clean vehicle emissions standards and enforce them through inspection and maintenance systems.
Reduce sulfur content in heavy fuels.
Foster public and private sector involvement in awareness-raising to support policy reforms and behavioral change.
Overall, the paper emphasizes the need for systematic institutional reforms, cost-effective technical interventions, and multistakeholder engagement to tackle Metro Manila’s persistent air quality problems.
Key Words / Topics
Metro Manila air pollution
Total Suspended Particulates (TSP)
Lead pollution
WHO Air Quality Guidelines
Institutional reform
Air Quality Management System (AQMS)
Diesel and fuel quality
Clean vehicle standards
Vehicle inspection and maintenance
Sulfur reduction
Public awareness
Policy enforcement