The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the National Capital Region (NCR) has teamed up with SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI) to establish a real-time Air Quality Monitoring Station (AQMS) in Quezon City, marking a significant step towards better air quality management in the Philippines.
DENR officials said the partnership bolstered efforts to monitor and manage air pollution nationwide. By joining the EMB’s Adopt-a-CAMS (Continuous Ambient Air Monitoring System) Program, SMPHI is aligning with the goals set out under the Philippine Clean Air Act.
The AQMS, which is now fully operational, is strategically located within SMPHI’s property in Matandang Balara, Quezon City. Equipped to measure particulate matter (PM) levels, the station can track PM10 and PM2.5, which are critical indicators of air pollution. The data gathered will be seamlessly transmitted in real-time to the EMB-NCR’s Data Acquisition and Handling System, feeding directly into the bureau’s central database for comprehensive analysis.
“This development will allow policymakers and environmental agencies to respond more effectively to air quality concerns in the region, ultimately improving public health outcomes and environmental conditions,” said DENR secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga. “Land use and urban planning influence emissions sources, which in turn have significant implications for both public health and climate change,” she added, highlighting the importance of collective action in tackling air pollution.
Secretary Yulo-Loyzaga also called on other private sector entities to join the Adopt-a-CAMS initiative, underscoring the need for widespread participation in safeguarding the environment and public welfare.
With this partnership, both the DENR and SMPHI aim to make significant strides in ensuring that cleaner air becomes a shared responsibility, benefiting the broader public and future generations.
