Zambo still enjoys clean air
Zamboangueños are still breathing clean air.
This, after the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has released early this month the results of the analysis of air samples collected for the second quarter of 2009.
A copy of the analysis results was furnished to Mayor Celso Lobregat for information.
The samples were collected from the three Air Quality Monitoring Stations established in the city, one each at Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC), Philippine International Development (PHIDCO) and Barangay Sto. Niño.
Results of the analysis showed the average Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) of the three monitoring stations ranged from 134-153 microgram per normal cubic meter, way below the National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 230 microgram per normal cubic meter as set by the department.
DENR-EMB collects air samples from each established station for 24 hours every six days. From the collected samples, the average TSP per station is then calculated and compared against the national air quality standard. The lower the TSP, the better is the air quality at the given location.
Engr. Allan Degala, head of the EMB attributes the good air quality to the ongoing programs on environmental protection and preservation being undertaken by the city government in coordination with the DENR.
Meanwhile, the city government under the administration of Mayor Lobregat pursues without let up the implementation of environment-related programs such as tree planting, forest and mangrove conservation as well as cleanliness and sanitation activities. (Claudine Uniana)