Air quality in Makati City has shown marked improvement since 2006, based on the recent results of regular ambient air quality monitoring by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

 With an average reading of 124 microgram per normal cubic meter (ug/Ncm) in the first six months of the year, air quality in the city has improved as indicated by a significant reduction of 32 ug/Ncm from its average Total Suspended Particles (TSP) level of 156 ug/Ncm recorded in the same period in 2006.

Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. credited the city government’s “relentless” drive in implementing national and local laws against pollution for the improved air quality in the city as monitored by authorities.

 “The relentless efforts of the city government to combat air pollution for many years now have achieved tangible improvement in the quality of air we breathe in Makati,” Binay said.

 The city government, Binay said, has consistently promoted strict adherence to relevant national laws like the Clean Air Act of 1999 and the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, while the enactment of the city’s own Emission Control Code and Revised Anti-Smoking Ordinance has “given more teeth” to these laws.

Binay also acknowledged the “strong multi-sectoral participation” as the key to the continuing success of the city’s advocacy for clean air, as well as the city’s other advocacies towards a truly healthy and safe environment for all stakeholders.

“Our various environmental initiatives, including those aimed at cleaner air, have made much headway because of the strong partnership we have established and sustained over the years with all concerned sectors, including the residents, the business community, visitors and other stakeholders,” he said.

Binay, during a recent meeting of the city’s Peace and Order Council, ordered local authorities to work closely with concerned agencies like the City Health Department and Department of Environmental Services to ensure the strict implementation of policies and programs for clean air.

“The problem of air pollution is one of the toughest challenges we face, given the sheer volume of vehicles plying the city’s thoroughfares every day. But as recent developments show, we are definitely making progress,” the mayor said.