The fully-automated Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (AQMS) aims to collect real-time air quality data in the Northern part of Metro Manila.

The fully-automated Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (AQMS) aims to collect real-time air quality data in the Northern part of Metro Manila.

The fully-automated Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (AQMS) aims to collect real-time air quality data in the Northern part of Metro Manila.

The fully-automated Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (AQMS) aims to collect real-time air quality data in the Northern part of Metro Manila.

The equipment is capable of measuring in real time air pollutants and total suspended particulate (TSP) matters, such as, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ozone, lead, and benzene, toluene, and xylene (known as BTX), as well as measuring meteorological data, such as, wind speed and direction, with the data to become available online.

Air pollution data that this station will collect will be used by DENR and other concerned agencies, such as the Local Government Units (LGUs) as the basis for planning and drafting air quality management programs and policies.

The Valenzuela station is one of four AQMSs acquired this year. The other two are installed at the De La Salle University in Taft Avenue, Manila and along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City and another one at the Department of Public Works and Highways compound along EDSA is yet to be installed.

The sites were identified and considered because these areas are either, highly-industrialized, commercial, residential, or has high traffic density. “Engr. Jean N. Rosete, Officer-in-Charge of the Air Quality Monitoring Station (AQMS) who lead the launching said that “vehicles contribute to about 80 per cent of pollutants.”

In support of the implementation of the Clean Air Act of 1999 and in support of DENR’s continuing campaign to improve air quality in Metro Manila, City Mayor Sherwin T. Gatchalian, a known advocate of sustainable clean energy with his sponsorship of several solar school projects, agreed on the installation of the station at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela (PLV) grounds.

Valenzuela City Administrator Teresita R. Capacillo (R) and CENRO Officer-in-Charge Engr. Rommel I. Pondevida (L).