Asia Blue Skies Program urges the public to play a more active role, fight pollution in improving air quality

AYEAR after its formation, the Asia Blue Skies Program – a five-year partnership between Clean Air Asia and 3M to deliver science-based air quality solutions to the Manila City Government – finds that clearer, bluer skies are possible with changes in human activities.

The Asia Blue Skies Program report showed that air quality in Manila City significantly improved in the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) period from midmarch to mid-may 2020. However, following the ECQ, levels of PM2.5, particles 20 times smaller than the width of a human hair, rose to pre-pandemic levels at non-roadside sites, and roadside measurements significantly increased.

The Asia Blue Skies Program set up sensors in key areas of Manila City to collect air quality data that will serve as baseline metrics for the program. The data gathered for the report came from sensors installed roadside at the busy Freedom Triangle in front of Manila City Hall, at the open green space Rizal Park, and at Mendiola, a school zone.

While the original aim of the monitoring was to gather baseline information on air quality in the city, monitoring activities in 2020 coincided with the imposition of COVID-19 restrictions in the Philippines. This meant that the data collected during ECQ from mid-march to mid-may was not representative of Manila City's normal air quality; however, the strict lockdown underscored that better air quality was possible with reduced emissions from key sources, particularly from vehicles as lockdowns limited mobility.

"The Asia Blue Skies Program stands for an evidencebased and participatory approach," said Clean Air Asia Deputy Executive Director Glynda Bathan-baterina. "What the report shows us is that humans play an important role in this transformation. Improvements in the environment are a collective effort from all stakeholders, and the public has the most important role to play."

Manila City Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, who has been a staunch advocate of clearer skies, urged residents to play a more active role in improving the city’s air quality.

“The City of Manila is one of the densest cities in the region, and we have a responsibility to ensure there is increased effort to achieve better air quality," he said. "The city government is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of our people, and we can do that by eliminating the imminent risks that air pollution poses. The support and expertise provided by 3M and Clean Air Asia is a great step, but moving forward is only achievable if residents do their part. By so doing, I am convinced that in five years’ time, residents will be able to enjoy safer and cleaner air, and I am hopeful that other cities in the country will follow suit."

3M’s support to Clean Air Asia is aligned with its goal of creating sustainable cities and communities, particularly reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.

“3M’s ultimate goal is to improve lives, and we direct our efforts to where we can create the greatest impact. Our partnership with the Manila City Government and Clean Air Asia shows our commitment to do so. The Asia Blue Skies Program is an opportunity to show the public that cooperation and trust in science can help address the biggest challenges in societies,” said Bettina Luz, 3M Philippines Country Leader.