The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), facilitated the online consultation on 4 April 2023 the development of National Air Quality Status Report for 2021.

The consultation served as a venue for the EMB Regional Offices to incorporate their accomplishments and challenges in the implementation of the Philippine Clean Air Act in the draft National Air Quality Status Report 2021.

Mr. Geri Geronimo Sanez, Officer in Charge of the Environmental Quality Management Division (EQMD), welcomed all the participants to the meeting. He also mentioned that Pursuant to Section 6 of RA 8749 and Section 4 Rule XIV Part V of DAO 2000 – 81, the Department shall prepare an annual NAQSR which provides updates, accomplishments, and way forward on the activities of the Bureau in relation to Air Quality Management.

Dr. Mylene G. Cayetano, consultant and who is also a professor from the University of the Philippines – Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (UP-IESM), presented the contents of the draft National Air Quality Status Report, including a chapter on the status of air quality management in the country, impacts of air pollution, agency actions and initiatives on air quality, best practices, summary and way forward.

The participants provided their inputs, comments and recommendations on the draft report. The EMB Regional Offices also shared their best practices and highlighted some major accomplishments of their region for the attainment of clean air.

Engr. Jundy T. Del Socorro, Chief of the Air Quality Management Section, DENR-EMB said that the report will be available soon. The public is advised to visit www.emb.gov.ph for updates.