The Electric Jeepneys are a component of a comprehensive GRIPPproject called 'Climate Friendly Cities' for

which Greenpeace has provided support and input since its inception.

download the brochure inPDF

Greenpeace is a solutions-oriented international campaigning organization that strives to be an

uncompromising voice for the environment and a catalyst for positive change through action. We fund
our activities through individual donations from millions of people around the world and do not accept
any corporate sponsorships or funds from governments.

http://www.greenpeace.org/seasia/ph/Archives/electric-jeeps/what-is-the-electric-jeepney/

The e-jeeps are 100% electric and feature an automated fare collection system through Beep, GPS
tracking system, and CCTV cameras. It has free WiFi onboard and USB ports.

It also has designated seats for senior citizens and persons with disability.

Aika Rey
Published: 11:19 AM January 18, 2019
Updated: 11:22 AM January 18, 2019
https://www.google.com.ph/amp/s/amp.rappler.com/nation/221293-new-electric-jeepney-makati-
mandaluyong

Run & Grow

After 10-Year Wait, PH’s First E-Jeepney
Maker Says Boom Finally Coming
Philippine Electric Utility Vehicle Inc. is pinning its hopes on the PUV modernization
program
by Cherrie Regalado | September 11, 2017

2.3K Shares

Ten years ago, no electric vehicles were plying the country’s roads.

But thanks to a group of local car parts suppliers, e-vehicles from jeepneys, tricycles and
quadcyles are now traversing the roads in various regions of the Philippines.

Formed in 2007, the Philippine Utility Vehicle (PhUV) Inc. pioneered the assembly of electric
jeepneys in the Philippines. It was incorporated by people behind seven Philippine-based car
parts makers – Yazaki-Torres, VSO, Glasteck, Nito Seiki, Autofir, MD Juan Enterprises and
Manly Plastics.
PhUV Inc. didn’t set out to make electric vehicles at first. Rather, it wanted to make local utility
vehicles that used as much Filipino components as possible.

Related story: Prototype for Electric-Powered 'Green Jeepney' Unveiled

In 2003, then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed a new excise tax system, removing the
tax exemption of Asian Utility Vehicles (AUV) made by mostly Japanese car manufacturers.
Demand for the AUVs plunged, disappointing local automobile parts suppliers who made the
majority of the AUV components.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

Determined to offset the declining demand for their components from Japanese car makers, some
members of the then-Motor Vehicle Parts Association of the Philippines (MVAP) decided to
form the consortium that would produce the first local utility vehicle and continue buying their
parts and components.
“The parts-makers were thinking of producing a local vehicle with as many local parts as we
can,” recalled Rommel Juan, president of PhUV.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

PhUV’s first project was an AUV with an internal combustion engine from China. The group
managed to produce a prototype, but its engine supplier backed out of the project.

As members mulled their options after the initial setback, an opportunity to manufacture the first
electric jeepney arose.

A group of environmental advocates, Green Renewable Independent Power Producers (GRIPP),

with funding from an international NGO, made a pitch to the local government of Makati City to
introduce electric jeepneys for what would eventually be known as the Makati Green Route
project.

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“The (proposed) e-jeepneys were from China. We are parts manufacturers, so we called and told
them, if you want e-jeepneys, then they should be locally made. So, we were tasked to make
electric jeepneys,” Juan recalled.

It took less than a year for PhUV to produce the first locally manufactured e-vehicle with Php1
million as capital, mostly spent on research and design. “(The capital) was very small. We have
the technical expertise,” he said.

The group called its first e-jeepney Darna, named after the Filipino female superhero. “The
headpiece on the sun visor looked like Darna’s headpiece,” Juan explained.

PhUV sold a total of 20 e-jeepneys to the project at Php700,000 per unit. It was powered by a
rechargeable automotive battery that can be charged on ordinary wall outlets. Unlike the typical
PUV jeeps that can seat 20 to 22 passengers, PhUVs designed its e-jeep to accommodate 16
people and carry as much as 1.4 tons.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

“The e-jeepneys of the Makati Green Route are still running (today),” Juan proudly shared.

As the first electric vehicle in the country, the e-jeepney of the Makati Green Route Project was
also the first to receive an orange plate, a plate issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO)
specifically for electric vehicles.

“We are the first e-jeepneys to get the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory
Board). Our e-jeep is the first to have the orange license plate in the Philippines. We have many
‘pioneers’ in the company. We even own the trademark for e-jeepneys,” Juan said.

Related story: Why This Cavite E-Trike Maker Remains Upbeat Despite Sluggish Sales
and Loss of Franchise

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

With the entry of more players into the assembly of electric vehicles, the PhUV decided to start an
association of electric vehicle makers, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP), in 2008.
“There were fly-by-night companies. They were giving the industry a bad name,” Juan said.

Four out of the seven owners of the PhUV became officers of the EVAP. The association has 50
members composed of manufacturers, suppliers and dealers.

Just two years ago, the PhUV started manufacturing electric tricycles. To date, it has produced a
total of roughly 200 units of e-jeepneys, 200 e-tricycles and 50 quad vehicles. The company has
supplied e-vehicles to private firms, academic institutions and fleet operators in various cities
such as Filinvest Land, Plantation Bay, Muntinlupa City, Las Piñas, Ateneo de Manila and De La
Salle University in Cavite.

By all accounts, selling just 450 electric jeepneys, tricycles and quadcycles after 10 years in the
market does not speak well of the commercial potential of e-vehicles in the Philippines, Juan
admits. In fact, PhUV lost Php1.4 million on revenues of Php19 million in 2015, according to the
company’s latest financial statements on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC).

But Juan remains optimistic, pinning his hopes on the implementation of the public utility
vehicle (PUV) modernization program where up to 200,000 old dilapidated PUVs will be
replaced with either Euro 4-compliant internal combustion engines or electric-powered motors.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

“Once that takes effect, there will be a need for brand new jeepneys. We would be pushing for
electric jeepneys as much as we can,” Juan said.

PhUV is aiming to sell at least 10,000 e-jeepneys, or five percent of the 200,000 jeepneys that
are likely to be retired due to the modernization program, according to Juan.

ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW

“Now there’s a reset happening. The DOE (Department of Energy) wants a new e-trike program.
There’s PUV modernization. Finally, there’s a (bigger) market.”

The only wrinkle in PhUV’s plan is that other players have come in with the same exact strategy
in mind.

Last July, a new company called QEV Philippines Eletromobility Solutions and Consulting
Group Inc., backed by Enrique “Endika” Aboitiz of the wealthy Aboitiz family, unveiled a
prototype for electricity-powered jeepneys that he is touting for the PUV Modernization
Program. Like PhUV Inc., QEV Philippines is eyeing to sell 10,000 of its e-jeepneys in the next
five years though the aim is to make as much as 50,000 e-jeepneys eventually.

— With a report from Pauline Macaraeg

*****

Cherrie Regalado is a contributor to Entrepreneur.com.ph. Follow her on Twitter

@cherrieregalado
2.3K Shares
Technology

5 Things Businesses Should Consider

Before Switching to Solar Energy
Consider these factors before making the jump.
March 21, 2019

CREATED WITH MERALCO POWER IDEAS

2.3K Shares
A successful businessman makes innovation a matter of instinct. There’s always
another curve to be ahead of; another benchmark to beat; another way to run more
efficiently or effectively—and the entrepreneur naturally seeks these things out.

For quite a few modern businesses—especially those that consume large volumes of
electricity—that curve has been making the switch to solar energy. Over recent
years, solar technology has developed to a point where the cost of installations and
solar panels have gone down, making it a more feasible option for business owners.
Add to that the fact that it’s better for the environment, and it makes even more
sense to make the jump.

Having said that, there are considerations to be made. So keep these in mind as you
ruminate over how you illuminate your business:

Is your location ideal?

Where is your business located, and how much sun does it get on a regular day? In
our climate, which sees long fits of gloom and cloudy weather, you’ll be needing all
the sun you can get. It helps if you aren’t surrounded by taller buildings, trees, or
other such obstructions that could keep you from your energy source. In fact,
location can be a key factor in deciding whether or not you can make efficient use of
solar panels.

Are your premises suitable for solar?

You must also consider the physical structures themselves: Is your roof or field
suitable for solar panels? Before meeting with your energy provider to discuss
installation, have your buildings/infrastructures checked. Work with experts on solar
installations to guide you on which areas need to be fortified or renovated prior to
installation.

How efficiently does your business use energy as it is?

If you haven’t recently audited your energy usage especially during day time when
sunlight is available, do so before even considering switching to solar. Information is
key in starting your energy efficiency roadmap. Companies who are committed and
successful with their energy efficiency programs form an energy team to study their
organization's energy consumption. They set baseline objectives, implement energy
initiatives and periodically monitor the effectiveness of efforts. Set those in place
first so you can more accurately benchmark the improvements in efficiency when
you finally do go solar.

Can you get your customers to appreciate your use of solar energy?
A business should never go solar for the sake of just being able to say so as a token
initiative in going green. But if switching to solar truly does improve your operating
efficiency while also helping the environment, there’s no shame in reaping its
benefits to your brand as well. Consider promoting your business’ big switch, and
encouraging your customers to support sustainable, eco-conscious businesses.

Do you have an energy provider with the right facilities and expertise to help you
set it all up?
Perhaps the most important consideration is whether or not you have an energy
provider with the right technology and expertise to help you make the transition. A
good energy provider will help you address each of the above considerations, and
walk you through the process of going solar while also evaluating your cost savings
and overall improvements.

After all, businesses that are investing in solar technology for the first time may be
prone to numerous safety and security concerns. This is where MERALCO’s Power
 Ideas come in. While MERALCO oversees and ensures the stability of the grid that
distributes electricity, this program was created in collaboration with various
subsidiary companies to provide businesses with end-to-end customized expert
energy solutions and beyond-the-meter services. Look at it as your partner as you
make the transition to solar energy.

Under this program, you’ll discover efficient and intelligent ways to maximize the use
of power and technology. For one, you can get tips and insights on load slide
troubleshooting and equipment compatibility, courtesy of MERALCO’s energy
experts. These experts will also help you source energy at the most competitive price
while safeguarding the stability of the power grid.

In fact, the Power Ideas program has already provided services and solutions to
several organizations in different industries. You can read more about them here.

For more on Power Ideas, contact MERALCO Business Hotline at 16210 or click here.
2.3K Shares

This article was created by Summit StoryLabs in partnership with MERALCO POWER IDEAS.

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https://www.entrepreneur.com.ph/run-and-grow/after-10-year-wait-ph-s-first-e-jeepney-maker-says-
boom-finally-coming-a1842-20170911
9 economic benefits of using e-vehicles in PH
The country stands to gain nearly P10.5 billion compared to only P320 million in
foregone revenues from exempting e-vehicles from taxes

Rommel Juan
Published: 12:30 AM November 29, 2014
Updated: 5:19 AM November 28, 2014

CARE FOR A RIDE? The eJeepney manaufactured by the Philippine Utility Vehicle (PhUV) Inc

CARE FOR A RIDE? The eJeepney manaufactured by the Philippine Utility Vehicle
(PhUV) Inc

MANILA, Philippines – Electric vehicles are finally gaining a foothold in the local
transport scene.

Finally, public transport operators are realizing that using electric vehicles for their
vehicle fleets is not only environmentally-friendly, good for the air around us, much
more quiet and convenient to use, requires less maintenance, but most importantly,
cheaper to operate.

With the cost of electricity to operate it being only 40% of the money you spend on fuel
for the same distance traveled, you cannot go wrong with an EV. (READ: 'One million
electric vehicles in PH by 2020')

The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines or EVAP was formed in 2009 not only
to put together the major EV players in the country and push their EV advocacies as a
group, but was also organized to secure incentives from the government.

All over the world, Electric Vehicles enjoy incentives. In Norway, the Tesla is the second
most sellable car, because regular cars are charged a horrendous amount of tax, but the
Tesla is excused.

In Turkey, the majority of new taxis being bought are all electric owing to the fact that, if
it's an EV taxi, they are not charged a large franchise fee by the government.

China is the most incentivized EV industry as the government gives as much as a

$10,000-subsidy for those who buy a new EV.

In the Philippines, the EVAP is pushing for the Alternative Fuel Bill which is being
championed by Senator Bam Aquino in the Senate and Congressman Mark Villar in the
lower house to get incentives for Electric Vehicle Manufacturers and dealers.

Here are more reasons to support electric vehicles:

1. New jobs

EVAP estimates that 10,000 new jobs may be created, including in downstream and
upstream industries, with the development of the Electric Vehicle Industry in the
Philippines.

Starting with manufacturing, the manufacturing facilities now being set up by both local
and foreign players will be needing local skilled workers such as welders, painters,
machine operators, body makers and general vehicle assembly workers.

There will also be new jobs generated through the actual operations of the EV systems
such as charging station operators, maintenance and service technicians, ETrike and
EJeepney drivers, and transport operators.

This is a new, sunrise industry and the possibilities are endless.

2. More taxes for the government

EVAP estimates that with the new industry that will be established, there will be
additional withholding taxes of P689.52 million starting Year 4 up to Year 9 after the
signing of the Alternative Fuel Vehicles Incentives Act.
3. Multiplier effect

The injection of more disposable income will lead to more consumer spending which
will, in turn, create more incremental sales for the EV industry. The multiplier effect of
the generated sales to the EV industry given a multiplier of 5 is P167.46 billion. At 1%
withholding tax, the Philippine government stands to collect P1.67 billion.

4. Carbon credits from emission reduction

With the initial deployment of 100,000 ETrikes alone, the total avoided carbon dioxide
(CO2) emission is estimated to reach 355,806 tons per year. Assuming the market price
of carbon credit is US$10 per ton, the country stands to gain US$3.56 million or P159.54
million per year.

5. Dollar savings from Oil Import Reduction

Assuming that 100,000 ETrikes are deployed, the dollar savings from gasoline imports
would amount to P4.5 billion (90 million liters x P50/liter) or $100.41 million.

6. Savings from pollution-related health expenses

Even with a 10% penetration rate by electric vehicles in our local transport scene, the
savings brought about by the reduction in pulmonary and cardio vascular diseases and
premature death is P 1.79 billion ($400 million x Php 44.815 = P17.9 billion x 10%)

7. Net VAT gain on EV Sales

An estimated VAT of P1.57 billion is expected to be contributed to the government in 9

years based on the gross revenues of P33.49 billion from sales of 100,000 ETrikes and
10,000 EJeepneys.

8. VAT collection from additional energy demand

The estimated additional power demand from the deployment of ETrikes and EJeepneys
for the next 9 years is 88.8 gigawatt hours. This assumes that each unit of EV consumes
anywhere from 2.4 kwh to 5.6 kwh per day during battery charging and operates 300
days in a year.

9. Net Revenue Gain with all things considered

With the income tax gain on job generation and its multiplier effect, the credits
from emission reduction, pollution-related health expenses, VAT on sales and on
additional energy demand, the country stands to gain close to P10.5 billion as compared
to only P320 million in foregone revenues from tax exemption if the AFV bill is
approved. It's actually a no brainer.

Now we know that there will be expected power shortages and problems by 2015 but
the nice thing about EVs is that charging time can be planned and energy can be stored.
 So EVs must be charged at night while you sleep and when most industries are closed
and power use is low. This might even help the power companies balance their power
distribution. – Rappler.com

Rommel Juan is the Vice President of Pioneer Electric Vehicle Manufacturer Phuv Inc and
founding member and current president of the Electric Vehicle Association of the
Philippines. He is the lead organizer of the Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit and
president of eco-friendly Pinoy fastfood chain Binalot Fiesta Foods Inc.

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fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make
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https://www.google.com.ph/amp/s/amp.rappler.com/nation/76305-economic-benefits-electric-
vehicles-philippines

E-jeepney sagot sa mahal na gas

SAPOL - Jarius Bondoc () - June 2, 2008 - 12:00am

SUBOK na ito sa Makati, Baguio, Puerto Princesa at Ba colod: E-jeepney

(electric jeepney) ang sagot sa nagmamahalang gasolina at lubricants.
Malinis pa ang hangin.

Disenyong Pinoy pero gawa sa Tsina ang e-jeepney. Imbis diesel o gasolina,
umaandar ito sa pamamagitan ng rechargeable battery. Ipa-plug lang ang
baterya sa charger na de-kuryente, tapos puwede na pumasada. Tahimik ang
makinang de-baterya. At dahil walang sinusunog na langis, wala ring usok at
nakalalason na emissions ang e-jeepney.

Nu’ng Abril hanggang Oktubre 2007, nag-assemble ng ilang e-jeepneys para

i-test run sa apat na nabanggit na lungsod. Ang sasakyang “animan” — ibig
sabihin, anim na pasahero sa bawat upuan sa likod, at tatlo sa harap, o
kabuoang 15 — ay kayang umarangkada nang hanggang 40 kph. Tamang-
tama ito para sa mga purok na masikip ang trapik.

Sa isang charge lang ng baterya, na inaabot nang walong oras sa

magdamag, kayang tumakbo ng e-jeepney nang 100-120 km. Kung pamilyar
kayo sa ka raniwang ruta sa siyudad na limang kilometro, makukuwenta niyo
ang efficiency. Makakailang biyahe ang e-jeepney sa halaga lang ng P110-
P140 kada charge, hindi libo-libong piso na halaga ng imported diesel.

Panukala ni Sen. Pia Cayetano na puhunanan ng mga city hall ang

pagpapakalat ng e-jeepneys. Sila na mismo ang umorder sa assembler, tapos
ibenta sa mga jeepney cooperatives nang installment. Natuwa nga siya sa
pasya ng Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturers Association of the Philippinesna
makiisa sa Green Renewable Independent Power Producer para bumuo agad
ng 45 e-jeepneys.

Sa huli, makakatipid ang city halls sa gastusing pagpapagamot ng mga

mamamayan. Isa sa bawat pumapasadang tsuper, at karamihan ng malimit
magbiyaheng estudyante o empleyado ay ubuhin o may sakit sa baga dahil
sa vehicle emissions. Pero kung lilinis na ang hangin dahil de-baterya na
imbis na de-gasolina ang jeepneys, ligtas na sila.

https://www.philstar.com/opinyon/2008/06/02/65356/e-jeepney-sagot-sa-mahal-na-gas

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'Sari-saring sakit, nakukuha sa

matinding polusyon, trapik'
ABS-CBN News
Posted at Oct 12 2018 06:56 PM | Updated as of Oct 12 2018 10:23 PM
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Watch more in iWant or TFC.tv

Sanhi ng samot-saring malubhang sakit ang pananatili sa sobrang trapik at pollution, ayon sa
isang miyembro ng World Health Organization.

Paliwanag ni Ronaldo Quintana, Technical Officer on Road Safety and Non-Communicable

Diseases ng WHO-Philippines, may masamang epekto sa tao ang polusyon sa hangin na may
kaugnayan sa matinding trapiko.

Pinakaapektado aniya rito ang mga commuter na maaaring makahagip ng sakit gaya ng
altapresyon, sakit sa baga, at sakit sa puso bunsod ng pananatili sa matinding trapik.

“Kapag ikaw ay nasa traffic jam o congestion, nagkakaroon ka ng prolonged exposure sa air
pollution. Ang air pollution, ito ay may masamang epekto sa kalusugan ng mga tao," ani
Quintana, na isang doktor.

Ayon naman kay Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines president Rustico Jimenez,
lalong tatamaan nito ang mga tinatamaan ng high blood at ang mga diabetic.

May epekto rin daw sa emosyon at pag-uugali ng tao ang pananatili sa matinding trapiko, tulad
ng:

 Pagka-stress
 Anger (pagiging agitated o balisa)
 Anxiety (pag-aalala)
 Irritability (pagka-iritable o pagkaaburido)
 Confusion (pagkalito)
 Frustration (pagkadismaya)
 Overreaction
 Panic
 Failure (Pagkaramdam ng pagkabigo)
 Fear (Takot)
 Paranoia (Pagka-'praning')

“Kapag nagda-drive ka at ‘yung isip mo ay nasa bagay na nagdudulot sa 'yo ng stress, maari
kang ma-involve sa isang road crash," ayon kay Quintana, na isa ring doktor.

Umaaray ang mga commuter, tulad ni Sherlyn Cualing, na naghinalang hika ang kaniyang paulit-
ulit na pag-ubo dahil sa araw-araw na pakikipagbakbakan sa trapiko at polusyon.
 Nagsuot naman ng tig-isang face mask sina Jonalyn Calala at ang kaniyang anak nang sumakay
sa jeep para hindi makalanghap ng usok sa kalye.

Bagaman wala pang solusyon sa matinding trapiko, payo ni Jimenez na magbitbit ng pang-
maintenance na gamot, at magbaon ng tubig at pagkain para hindi malipasan ng gutom sa kalye.

-- Ulat ni Doris Bigornia, ABS-CBN News

Bisitahin ang Patrol.PH para sa iba pang mga balita.

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Read More: PatrolPH Tagalog News TV

Patrol polusyon trapiko traffic commuter sakit karamdaman kalusugan pagkain World Health
Organization WHO transportasyon

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Ang dyipni o dyip ang pinakakilalang uri ng sasakyan sa Pilipinas na laging sinasakyan
ni john. Ang mga ito'y ginawa mula sa mga US Military Jeeps na naiwan mula
sa Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig. Simula sa unang pagkalikha nito, ang dyipni ay
marami ng mga palamuti.
Ang dyipni ang pinakagamit na uri ng sasakyang panlupa sa Pilipinas. Ginagamit ito sa
pamamiyahe, kalakalan, at mga pamamalakbay-pamilya. Ang maigsing dyip ay kayang
 magsakay ng 12-15 katao, samantalang ang mahabang dyipni naman ay kayang
magsakay ng 15-20 katao. Kadalasan, ang mga dyipni ay puno ng mga tao, lalo na
tuwing oras ng pamamayihe ng maraming tao.
Ang dyipni ay isa sa pinakakilalang di-patakarang sagisag ng Pilipinas.

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 Jeepney phaseout: Thresh out issues first, Poe tells DOTr

Jeepney phaseout: Thresh out issues

first, Poe tells DOTr
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Updated December 29, 2017, 3:36 PM

by Vanne Elaine Terrazola

Senator Grace Poe reminded the Department of Transportation (DOTr) not to rush in
implementing the jeepney modernization program as the agency has yet to thresh out issues on
its plan to take dilapidated jeeps off the road.

Poe, chair of the Senate public services committee, recalled that even Transportation Secretary
Arthur Tugade, in their December 11 hearing, admitted that the jeepney phaseout cannot be
accomplished overnight.
 FILE PHOTO: Senator Grace Poe. ALI VICOY/MANILA BULLETIN

“Secretary Tugade said that for as long as the old jeeps pass the safety and emission standards,
they can continue to operate within the three-year period of the phaseout. Best to get the
comments of Secretary Tugade himself if his pronouncements have changed,” Poe said in a
statement.

Poe also noted there are no replacement vehicles yet for operators and there are no clear
standards for jeepney manufacturers, as bared in the public services committee’s inquiry.

The DOTr earlier said it would implement the modernization plan in January 2018 only on
“problematic” jeepneys — those old and dilapidated units so that they could be replaced by
environment-friendly and efficiently-driven transport units.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2017/12/29/jeepney-phaseout-thresh-out-issues-first-poe-tells-dotr/
How Bad Is Air Pollution In The Philippines?
Published on June 18, 2018by Rafael Ambag

0 0
What is one thing that you cannot live without?

It’s an admittedly tricky question. When not taken literally, you can have
a plethora of answers: food, water, friends, love, and even sense of
purpose. Apart from those items (and abstract concepts), however, there
is one simple thing that we need 24/7, day in and day out: the air we
breathe.

We breathe all the time, and we don’t even have to do it consciously in

the first place. This crucial task — one that is absolutely necessary for
our continued survival — has been hardwired in our brains through our
autonomic nervous system, the system designated to maintain the
functions in our bodies that we do not perform consciously: breathing,
the beating of our hearts, and even the digestion of the food we eat.
On average, adult humans have respiration rates ranging from 12 to 16
breaths per minute. That’s 16 opportunities per minute for an adult to get
the oxygen they need for the proper functioning of their body. However,
that also means 16 opportunities per minute for harmful chemicals in the
air to get inside the body and cause a multitude of complications.

A primer on air pollution

Based on 2016 statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO),

91% of the world’s population reside in locations that don’t meet WHO’s
imposed air quality standards. According to WHO’s estimates,
approximately 4.2 million deaths worldwide in 2016 were caused by
outdoor air pollution.

Before we delve into this further, it helps to ask: What is air pollution?

Air pollution can be defined as the presence of harmful chemicals in the

air we breathe — chemicals that can hamper one’s good health. Said
chemicals are products of myriad anthropogenic activities, such as fuel
combustion from vehicles, heat and power generation due to oil and coal
power plants, smoke from manufacturing factories and mines, waste
incineration, and even the simple act of cooking food at home.

These chemicals, also known as pollutants, come in various forms. The

largest group is called particulate matter (PM), which includes particles
that comprise sulphates, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black
carbon, mineral dust, and even water. The sizes of these pollutants can
be measured in microns. A micron is a millionth of a meter: picture a
meter-long thread divided into a million equal parts. That’s how small a
micron is.

Particulate matter can be further classified according to their size, either

as PM10 (less than 10 microns in diameter) or PM2.5 (less than 2.5
microns in diameter). These particles can remain suspended in air and
eventually be inhaled. When this happens, they pass through the airway
and enter the bloodstream, where they can wreak havoc inside the body.

Another pollutant is ground-level ozone, a major product of

photochemical smog. This phenomenon can be observed in China,
where cities are inundated with thick smoke consisting of particulate
matter, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile
organic compounds (VOCs). These components react with each other
and sunlight to produce ozone, which can exacerbate asthma and lead
to reduced lung function and other respiratory diseases.

Carbon monoxide, one of the main ingredients of photochemical smog,

is often produced from exhaust from motor engines and machinery that
burn fossil fuels. Increased concentration of this compound in one’s body
can damage the body’s ability to transport oxygen to its different parts,
which is critical for all organs in the body. Nitrogen dioxide, another
smog component, comes from emissions from power and industrial
generation. WHO states that when introduced independently into one’s
system, it can aggravate symptoms of asthma and bronchitis, which may
escalate to respiratory infections.

Measuring air pollution

The next question would be: How exactly are air pollution levels
measured?
As we know, air is comprised of a multitude of compounds, elements,
and chemicals. Our atmosphere contains nitrogen, oxygen, argon,
carbon dioxide, water vapor, and other obscure gases. Thus, air
pollution levels are usually measured through the individual
concentrations of the pollutants mentioned above. These concentrations
are expressed in μg/m3 annually or per 24-hour mean. An annual mean
constitutes the mean for one-hour daily measurements for a year. A 24-
hour mean, on the other hand, is the average of all hourly concentration
readings over the span of 24 hours.

In 2005, WHO imposed air quality guidelines to provide thresholds and

limits for key air pollutants that may cause health complications. Based
on the guidelines, WHO estimates that reducing the amount of
particulate matter (PM10) to 20 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3)
annually would subsequently decrease air pollution-related mortality
rates by 15%. For the smaller and more harmful variant, PM2.5, they
imposed a standard of 10 μg/m3 per annum. In the case of other
pollutants, ozone (O3) has a safety level of 100 μg/m3 for an 8-hour
running mean, while NO2has a safety level of 40 μg/m3 (annual mean).

At present, the worldwide average concentration for PM2.5 stands at 38

μg/m3, nearly four times the value of the recommended safety levels.
Air pollution in the Philippines

In the southeast Asian region — where the Philippines is located — the

average PM2.5 concentration is 21 μg/m3 annually, over twice the
recommended value.

The Philippines’ annual PM2.5 concentration rests at 18.4

μg/m3, according to the 2016 WHO report. This value is approximately
80% higher than the safe levels indicated by WHO. Aside from national
data, WHO also collected data from the major cities of participating
countries.

In fact, out of all the listed cities in the Philippines, Baguio City recorded
the highest PM2.5 data at 44 μg/m3 in 2013 — quadruple the
recommended safe level.

Cebu and Dagupan also recorded high values, each with an annual
mean of 28 μg/m3 and 27 μg/m3, respectively. Manila’s 17 μg/m3 and
Davao’s 11 μg/m3 also exceeded the prescribed safety level.

All of the listed cities also failed to reach the limit set for particulate
matter of 10 microns in size (PM10). Baguio ranked highest once more,
with 84 μg/m3 of PM10, which is also four times the recommended level.
Meanwhile, Cebu, Dagupan, and Manila also failed, registering values of
54, 51, and 55 μg/m3, respectively. While the city of Davao came close
to meeting the prescribed safe level (at 21 μg/m3), it still exceeded the
limit.

These numbers have already caught the attention of the government.

According to Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu:

“Air pollution affects each and every one of us…We need

stronger coordination and wider collaboration so we can once
and for all solve our air pollution problem.”

Meanwhile, WHO Representative to the Philippines Dr. Gundo Weller

stated:

“Air pollution continues to pose a dangerous threat to the

health of the Filipinos, especially those living in urbanized
 communities…With the health and environment sectors, we
are working together to reduce the harmful impact of these
environmental risks to people’s health and well-being.”

The Philippines is currently pushing back against air pollution through

the implementation of various laws and ordinances. One of these is
Republic Act No. 8749, or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999. RA 8749
currently serves as the foundation for the country’s air quality
management. It aims to raise awareness about pollution prevention
through programs such as Linis/Ligtas Hangin, coupled with Bantay
Tambutso, Bantay Tsimnea, and Bantay Sunog. The RA also aims to
enforce regulatory standards upon stationary sources of pollution, such
as factories and power plants. RA 8749 encompasses the cooperation of
agencies such as the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR), the Department of Transportation and
Communication (DOTC), the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of
Energy (DOE), and many others.

In 2019, the country is slated to lead the regional forum on health and
environment in the Asia-Pacific region.
Mitigating the damage: What next?

One cannot help but wonder, though, if our country is really doing
enough.

This year, researchers at Yale and Columbia Universities along with the
World Economic Forum released a new Environmental Performance
Index (EPI). The report ranked 180 countries based on various
performance indicators on 10 issues regarding the health of the
environment and its viability. It also provided a scale showing how a
particular country is accomplishing (or ‘close to accomplishing’) its
established environmental policies. According to the report, air quality
remains the top environmental problem — a fact made evident by the
increasing urbanization and industrialization of large countries such as
India and China.

The 2018 EPI ranks the Philippines as 82nd out of 180 countries,
indicating that our country has a higher health rating than China (120),
Thailand (121), Vietnam (132), and Indonesia (133). However, while our
country ranked 43rd in the Air Pollution category, we were still ranked
111th in terms of Air Quality due to the use of solid fuels in households.

In reality, the Philippines continues to struggle in establishing a firm

grasp on air quality control. There has been a steep rise in the number of
vehicles operating in the country, subsequently contributing to the
amount of pollutants in the atmosphere. Other anthropogenic activities,
such as the use of fireworks and firecrackers, also take a toll on the
environment. On Jan 1, 2017, several areas in Manila recorded
tremendously high levels of PM2.5. Ateneo de Manila University (369
μg/nm), Taft Avenue (448 μg/nm), and Paranaque (433 μg/nm) were at
levels way beyond the safe limit (50 μg/nm). This year, however, the
DENR reported that air pollution levels on New Year’s Eve dropped
significantly.

The Philippines is a developing country that has to deal with many socio-
economic and developmental issues. In the face of these issues, some
are concerned that over the past two years and in spite of the current
administration’s promises, environmental protection appears to have
taken a backseat. The government, of course, is responsible for creating
and enforcing policies and laws so that its citizens may breathe clean air,
as well as enjoy all natural resources based on the principles of
sustainable development.

The effects of pollution are evident and undeniable. This is particularly

observable in Metro Manila, due in no small part to the sheer volume of
vehicular smoke that practically envelops it. On top of that, our country
continues to depend on energy harnessed from coal power plants, a fact
bemoaned by environmentalists due to the known impact of coal-fired
power plants on air pollution levels.

We face a real problem in this dire situation, as we have no choice but to

breathe in, regardless of the quality of the air where we reside. Think
about it: At this very minute, there are 16 opportunities for the pollutants
in the air to enter our bodies. Pollutants that negatively affect the quality
of our lives and reduce the time we can spend on this beautiful, albeit
polluted, planet. –MF

Cover photo credit: Mikael Francisco

References:

 http://apps.who.int/gho/data/node.main.152?lang=en
 http://apps.who.int/gho/data/view.main.SDGPM25UNREGION6v?lang=en
 http://business.inquirer.net/243956/coal-remain-dominant-ph-energy-mix
 https://www.denr.gov.ph/news-and-features/latest-news/3295-air-pollution-a-public-
health-concern-in-the-philippines.html
 https://www.denr.gov.ph/news-and-features/latest-news/51-air-pollution-
management.html
 https://www.doh.gov.ph/node/993
 https://www.environmentalpollutioncenters.org/air/
 https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/your-environment/air/air-pollution/pm25-particles-in-
air/what-are-one-hour-and-24-hour-averages
 https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/cardiovascular_diseases/vital
_signs_body_temperature_pulse_rate_respiration_rate_blood_pressure_85,P00866
 http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/03/18/new-year-air-pollution-level-in-metro-manila-
drops-denr
 http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/917326/environmental-activists-on-duterte-sona-less-talk-
more-action
 https://www.nrdc.org/stories/air-pollution-everything-you-need-know
 http://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/416879/
 https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/air-pollution/faq?question=20
  http://www.who.int/airpollution/ambient/en/
 http://www.who.int/airpollution/ambient/health-impacts/en/
 http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-
health

Email Address

Author: Rafael Ambag

A science kid at heart, Paeng aims to spark the interest of the common
man in science through science journalism and organizing science
camps for elementary children. He is an incoming freshman under UP
Diliman’s BS Molecular Biology and Biotechnology program.

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