Manila partners with Clean Air Asia, 3M for better air quality program

THE LOCAL government of Manila has teamed up with non-governmental organization Clean Air Asia and private firm 3M Philippines for a five-year program aimed at improving air quality in the highly-urbanized city of 1.8 million people. The project, under the Asia Blue Skies Program, will develop a science-based Clean Air Action Plan, 3M said in a statement. The project is planned for expansion in other cities in the capital region of Metro Manila. “Over the next five years, 3M will assist Clean Air Asia in its efforts to assess baseline air quality conditions, design capacity-building programs for air quality management, implement awareness and education campaigns, develop Clean Air Action Plans with selected city and district governments, and measure the resulting impact on air pollution levels,” the company. “As one of the densest cities in the region, the City of Manila recognizes the need to improve air quality, and we are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of our people by eliminating the imminent risks that air pollution poses. By doing so, we are not only preserving the rich culture and strong heritage of the city, but also ensuring that it will thrive for the generations to come,” Mayor Francisco M. Domagoso is quoted in the statement. “And I’m hopeful that other cities will follow suit,” he added. Three air quality sensors were already installed in Manila earlier this year to gather baseline data.