BREATHE BAGUIO: AIR QUALITY DURING ENVIRONMENT MONTH

June 7, 2024 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY

As part of the Philippine Environment Month celebrations this June, Baguio City has brought attention to the air quality within the city. During the Kapihan Para sa Kalikasan: Our Environment Our Future that was held on June 3
at the DENR-CAR Conference Room in Gibraltar, various environmental issues were discussed by officials including
RED Paquito Moreno Jr., MGB RD Fay Apil, EMB RD Jean Borromeo, and WWRRDEC RD Helen Maddumba. The event covered a wide range of topics, but recent data on air quality in Baguio City was particularly noteworthy.

In April 2024, the Geometric Mean PM10 level at Peza Compound Loakan was recorded at 37.74, which is classified as “Good.” However, at Lower Session Plaza Garden, the Geometric Mean PM2.5 reached 49.11, considered as
“Very Unhealthy” which indicates a need for attention. Similarly, La Trinidad showed comparable results. The Geometric Mean PM10 at BFAR Fish Farm KM 6 was 46.65, considered “Good.” Yet, at Provincial Capitol Ground
KM 6, the Geometric Mean PM2.5 was 55.02, which is considered “Very Unhealthy”.

Past initiatives to improve air quality include the calibration of Air Quality Monitoring Equipment (AQME) by the EMB Central Office from January 29 to February 2. Additionally, on March 26, 2024, in Tublay, Benguet, the first quarter of the Anti-Smoke Belching Taskforce Activity was carried out in collaboration with DOTR-CAR and LGUs of
BLISTT to combat vehicle emissions. Beyond air quality, the Kapihan also addressed the status of the Philippine Eagle named Nariha in Kabugao, World Environment Month projects within Benguet, the impact of the mining industry, and various studies on water cleanliness and solid waste management.

These discussions are part of the broader objectives of the Philippine Environment Month, established by
Proclamation No. 237 in 1988. This year ’s theme, “Our Environment, Our Future,” underscores the importance of
preserving our environment for future generations, aligning with the World Environment Day theme, “Our Land, Our Future, We Are Generation Restoration.” These initiatives aim to ensure that the air quality and the overall environment in Baguio and surrounding areas are protected, providing a cleaner and safer environment for all.

Juannah Rae Basilio/UC-Intern/ Edited by Rojanah Riel Lyka Cabeza/UC-Intern