According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), there was a general improvement in the country’s air quality last year, as the average Particulate Matter 10 (PM10) nationwide decreased by 28,2 percent from 39 micrograms per normal cubic meter (µg/ncm) in 2016 to 28 µg/ncm in 2024.
Particular Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) levels in the NCR also went down by 3.76 percent from 27 µg/ncm in 2016 to 16.86 µg/ncm in 2024.
Overall, 22 out of 34 highly urbanized centers in the country were “within ambient air quality” parameters for both PM10 and PM2.5 last year.
Particulate matter are microscopic solid or liquid particles found in the air, usually originating from vehicles, burnt fossil fuels, industrial processes, construction, and agricultural activities.
PM10 is a microscopic matter measuring 10 micrometers or less. An example of which is dust from roadways and construction sites.
On the other hand, PM2.5 is a particle that measures 2.5 micrometers or less. Being smaller, it poses a higher health risk as it can enter the lungs and bloodstream.
From 2022 to 2024, the DENR-EMB has strengthened efforts to reduce vehicular emissions, which remain the leading contributor to air pollution in the country. The bureau has so far issued a total of 1,807 certificates of conformity to Euro 4 compliant vehicles, which meet emissions standards that limit nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbon emissions that new vehicles are required to meet before entering the Philippine market.
Improvements are always welcome, especially when it comes to matters such as air quality, that directly affects the health and wellbeing of our population. Policies result in such gains typically require time to take effect, and need even more time to be sustainable. Hopefully the Filipino people can continue working together to keep our air clean, not just for our sake, but for the generations that will follow.*
