CY 2010 Air Quality Status Report

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CY 2010 AIR QUALITY STATUS BUREAU REPORT

REGION IVB

| DENR-EMB-Region IVB CY 2010 Air Quality Status Report

I. Introduction

Consistent with the provisions of Section 9 of Republic Act 8749 otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air Act (PCAA) of 1999 and Section 1, Rule XV of its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), upon recommendation of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) divided certain geo-political regions in the country into airsheds.

As of date, eighteen (18) airsheds had been officially designated by DENR, five (5) of which are geothermal airsheds. Formulation and implementation of policies and programs in the management of the air quality in each of these airsheds are carried out by a multi-sectoral body called as the airshed Governing Board.

On 16 January 2006, the Baco - Calapan City - Naujan (BCN) Airshed and its Governing Board was established under DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 02 Series of 2006. Located in Oriental Mindoro, it is the first airshed established within the administrative jurisdiction of Region IVB or MIMAROPA (Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) Region.

II. Description of Airshed Area

The City of Calapan and Municipalities of Baco and Naujan are located at the northern part of Oriental Mindoro. Calapan City, the capital of the whole province, adjoins the Municipality of Baco on its western area and bounded by the Municipality of Naujan on the south - southwestern section.

Baco- Calapan City – Naujan lies at the foot of Mount Halcon on the west fertile valleys that extends towards the eastern coast and irregular coastline has similar climate, weather, meteorology and topology, which affects the interchange and diffusion of pollutants in the atmosphere. For that reason, Figure 1. Topographic map delineating the BCN airshed these three (3) are chosen to be designated as boundaries. an airshed area with respect to the gathered baseline data.

The BCN airshed is bounded on the north by the Verde Island Passage, on the east by Tablas Strait, on the west by the Municipality of San Teodoro, on the southwest by the Province of Occidental Mindoro and on the southeast by the Municipality of Victoria. The Halcon mountain range is also located at the southwestern part of the airshed area which also serves as the natural boundary of Oriental Mindoro with Occidental Mindoro.

III. Description of Ambient Air Monitoring Stations

Two (2) primary stations were established and maintained for the ambient air quality monitoring of the Baco – Calapan City-Naujan airshed in Oriental Mindoro during CY 2010. Samples collected were then delivered to the EMB Central Laboratory to be analyzed for their respective parameters. The description of the monitoring stations are listed hereunder:

Table 1. Monitoring Stations Established at Baco-Calapan City-Naujan Airshed

STA STATION LOCATION OF PARAMETER(S) GPS Coordinates NUM ID STATION MEASURED Latitude Longitude PGENRO, Capitol Total Suspended 1 Capitol Site Site, Calapan City, 13024’20.6” 121010’38.3” Particulates (TSP) Oriental Mindoro Municipal Hall, Particulate Matter Municipal 2 Baco, Oriental less than 10 13021’33.4” 121005’48.0” Hall Mindoro microns (PM10)

With the formal establishment of the Baco-Calapan City-Naujan airshed area and its governing board under DENR Administrative Order No. 02 Series of 2006 dated 16 January 2006, the primary aim of EMB Region IVB is to maintain the sampling station and assess the air quality of the area based on the results of the laboratory analysis on the samples collected.

Station 1 (Capitol Site) was established and maintained since CY 2007 at the PGENRO Office located at the Provincial Capitol, Capitol Site, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro for monitoring Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) in the ambient air.

Station 2 (Municipal Hall) was established at the Municipality of Baco, Oriental Mindoro on February 2008 after the acquisition of a new monitoring equipment capable of measuring the parameter Particulate Matter less than ten (10) microns in diameter (PM10).

The results of laboratory analysis were then evaluated and compared with the standards set forth Figure 2. Google Earth plot of the ambient air quality monitoring in Republic Act 8749 otherwise stations of the BCN airshed. known as the Philippine Clean Air Act, particularly in the National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values (Table 1, Section 1, Rule VII). Likewise, the results from the TSP monitoring station were also determined for the reduction of TSP level by at least 15% from the CY 2003 baseline.

Figure 3. Location of the Capitol Site Station. Figure 4. Location of the Municipal Hall Station.

IV. Meteorological Data

Meteorological data were gathered necessary in the calculations and interpretation of the ambient air quality in the airshed area, namely: (1) ambient temperature, (2) atmospheric pressure, and (3) rainfall. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) undertake activities relative to observation, collection, assessment and processing of atmospheric and allied data. Tabulated hereunder are the monthly weather conditions from January to November of CY 2010 measured by the PAGASA weather station at Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro.

Parameter Month Mean Temperature Atmospheric Pressure Rainfall (0C) (mbar) (mm) January 25.2 1009.6 1.8 February 26.7 1009.2 0.0 March 27.3 1008.7 2.7 April 28.3 1007.4 2.5 May 28.9 1004.4 2.5 June 28.8 1009.3 7.0 July 27.4 1009.3 14.2 August 27.4 1008.5 14.2 September 27.3 1009.7 12.3 October 26.9 1008.4 18.7 November 26.7 1009.8 17.6 Average 27.4 1008.6 8.5

Data from the weather bureau showed a mean temperature of 27.40C from January to November 2010, with the highest average recorded during the month of May (28.90C) and the lowest during the month of January (25.20C). The period can be categorized as a moderately rainy season with an average rainfall 0f 8.5 mm. February was the driest month as the daily data showed twenty five (25) days with no rainfall during the said month. October had the highest average rainfall (18.7 mm).

V. Ambient Air Quality Sampling Test Results

Samples for CY 2010 were gathered using the one (1) Leir Seigler Australasia 24- hour low volume (manual) air sampling equipment for monitoring Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) at Station 1 (Capitol Site) and one (1) R & P Partisol low volume (manual) air sampling equipment for monitoring Particulate Matter Less Than 10 Microns in Diameter (PM10) at Station 2 (Municipal Hall). Sampling activities were performed by personnel of the local government units concerned trained in the conduct thereon. During CY 2010, a total of fifty three (53) samples were gathered at Station 1 (Capitol Site) while only thirteen (13) valid samples were collected at Station 2 (Municipal Hall). The samples gathered were then taken to the EMB Central Laboratory for analysis of their respective parameters.

Table 2. Laboratory Results of CY 2010 Ambient TSP Monitoring at Station 1 (Capitol Site)

Location of Sampling Station: PGENRO, Capitol Site, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro

Time of Concentration Guideline Value Date of Sampling Remarks Sampling (µg/Ncm) (μg/Ncm) 19-20 January 2010 0900H – 0900H 233 230 Failed 25-26 January 2010 0900H – 0900H 243 230 Failed 28-29 January 2010 0900H – 0900H 166 230 Passed 08-09 February 2010 0900H – 0900H 268 230 Failed 10-11 February 2010 0900H – 0900H 400 230 Failed 15-16 February 2010 0900H – 0900H 297 230 Failed 18-19 February 2010 0900H – 0900H 316 230 Failed 23-24 February 2010 0900H – 0900H 395 230 Failed 01-02 March 2010 0900H – 0900H 272 230 Failed 08-09 March 2010 0900H – 0900H 309 230 Failed 11-12 March 2010 0900H – 0900H 110 230 Passed 15-16 March 2010 0900H – 0900H 182 230 Passed 18-19 March 2010 0900H – 0900H 136 230 Passed 23-24 March 2010 0900H – 0900H 141 230 Passed 12-13 April 2010 0900H – 0900H 151 230 Passed 19-20 April 2010 0900H – 0900H 24 230 Passed 26-27 April 2010 0900H – 0900H 145 230 Passed 29-30 April 2010 0900H – 0900H 227 230 Passed 12-13 May 2010 0900H – 0900H 184 230 Passed 18-19 May 2010 0900H – 0900H 224 230 Passed 24-25 May 2010 0900H – 0900H 214 230 Passed 26-27 May 2010 0900H – 0900H 256 230 Failed 31 May - 01 Jun 2010 0900H – 0900H 279 230 Failed 03-04 June 2010 0900H – 0900H 55 230 Passed 21-22 June 2010 0900H – 0900H 200 230 Passed 06-07 July 2010 0800H – 0800H 221 230 Passed 12-13 July 2010 0900H – 0900H 192 230 Passed 19-20 July 2010 0800H – 0800H 183 230 Passed 22-23 July 2010 0800H – 0800H 310 230 Failed

26-27 July 2010 0800H – 0800H 300 230 Failed 05-06 August 2010 0800H – 0800H 238 230 Failed 13-14 September 2010 0810H – 0810H 248 230 Failed 20-21 September 2010 0800H – 0800H 313 230 Failed 27-28 September 2010 0800H – 0800H 93 230 Passed 04-05 October 2010 0900H - 0900H 126 230 Passed 12-13 October 2010 0900H - 0900H 182 230 Passed 21-22 October 2010 0800H - 0800H 246 230 Failed 26-27 October 2010 0800H - 0800H 184 230 Passed 02-03 November 2010 0900H - 0900H 119 230 Passed 17-18 November 2010 0900H - 0900H 77 230 Passed 22-23 November 2010 0900H - 0900H 92 230 Passed 23-24 November 2010 0900H - 0900H 150 230 Passed 24-25 November 2010 0900H - 0900H 143 230 Passed 25-26 November 2010 0900H - 0900H 197 230 Passed 30 Nov - 01 Dec 2010 0900H - 0900H 290 230 Failed 01-02 December 2010 0900H - 0900H 95 230 Passed 06-07 December 2010 0900H - 0900H 310 230 Failed 07-08 December 2010 0900H - 0900H 303 230 Failed 09-10 December 2010 0900H - 0900H 599 230 Failed 13-14 December 2010 0900H - 0900H 309 230 Failed 14-15 December 2010 0900H - 0900H 429 230 Failed 16-17 December 2010 0900H - 0900H 396 230 Failed 20-21 December 2010 0900H - 0900H 16 230 Passed

Table 3. Laboratory Results of CY 2010 Ambient PM10 Monitoring at Station 2 (Municipal Hall)

Location of Sampling Station: Municipal Hall, Municipality of Baco, Oriental Mindoro

Time of Concentration Guideline Value Date of Sampling Remarks Sampling (µg/Ncm) (μg/Ncm) 25-26 February 2010 0900H – 0900H 67 150 Passed 26-27 February 2010 0915H - 0915H 84 150 Passed 27-28 February 2010 0915H - 0915H 42 150 Passed 28 Feb - 01 Mar 2010 0915H - 0915H 59 150 Passed 01-02 March 2010 1000H - 1000H 59 150 Passed 02-03 March 2010 1400H - 1400H 55 150 Passed 03-04 March 2010 1430H - 1430H 42 150 Passed 05-06 March 2010 0915H - 0915H 55 150 Passed 17-18 March 2010 0830H - 0830H 46 150 Passed 14-15 May 2010 0900H – 0900H 54.97 150 Passed 23-24 November 2010 1115H - 1115H 8.4 150 Passed 25-26 November 2010 0930H - 0930H Invalid 150 Invalid 26-27 November 2010 0930H - 0930H 8.37 150 Passed 01-02 December 2010 0930H - 0930H 20.81 150 Passed

VI. Assessment of Results

As discussed, the results obtained will be compared to the DENR guideline values as stipulated in the provisions of Republic Act 8749 otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (DAO 2000-81).

Figure 5 below shows the laboratory results of the ambient TSP monitoring as compared with the National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values for short-term (24-hour) averaging time for Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) taken at Station 1 (Capitol Site), with a value of 230 μg/Ncm.

Figure 5. Laboratory Results of Ambient TSP Monitoring (short term), CY 2010

Figure showed that 24 out of the 53 (45%) samples gathered exceeded the short-term National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Value for TSP of the Philippines. The highest value was recorded during 09-10 December 2010 (Sample Number 49) with a value of 599 μg/Ncm, while the lowest value was recorded during 20-21 December 2010 (Sample Number 53) with a value of 16 μg/Ncm. The month of February recorded the highest percentage of samples that failed the guideline value with all five (5) samples taken during the said month while the only sample taken during August also exceeded the guideline value. December, when the highest TSP concentration was recorded, had 6 out of 8 samples (75%) that exceeded the 230 μg/Ncm limit for TSP.

Figure 6 below shows the thirteen (13) valid laboratory results of the ambient PM10 monitoring as compared with the National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values for short-term (24-hour) averaging time for Particulate Matter Less than 10 Microns (PM10) taken at Station 2 (Municipal Hall), with a value of 150 μg/Ncm.

Figure 6. Laboratory Results of Ambient PM10 Monitoring (short term), CY 2010

Figure showed that all of the thirteen (13) valid samples gathered at Station 2 for PM10 monitoring are within the short-term National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Value for PM10 of the Philippines. The highest value was recorded during 26-27 February 2010 (Sample Number 2) with a value of 84 μg/Ncm, while the lowest value was recorded during 26-27 November 2010 (Sample Number 13) with a value of 8 μg/Ncm. The month of March recorded the highest number of sampling episodes (5), followed by February (4), November (3), and lastly one (1) sampling episode each for the month of May and December.

The sampling results during CY 2010 were then compared with the air quality index (AQI) for TSP and PM10 as stated in Annex A of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 in order to determine the levels of the status of air quality of the area and release pollutant-specific cautionary statements for the general public when necessary. Tables 4 and 5 show the results of the CY 2010 sampling at Station 1 as compared with the AQI. Meanwhile Tables 6 and 7 show the results of the CY 2010 sampling at Station 2.

Table 4. Air Quality Index of CY 2010 Ambient TSP Monitoring at Station 1 (Capitol Site)

Time of Concentration Air Quality Pollutant-Specific Cautionary Date of Sampling Sampling (µg/Ncm) Index Statement People with respiratory disease, Unhealthy for 19-20 January 2010 0900H – 0900H 233 such as asthma, should limit sensitive groups outdoor exertion People with respiratory disease, Unhealthy for 25-26 January 2010 0900H – 0900H 243 such as asthma, should limit sensitive groups outdoor exertion 28-29 January 2010 0900H – 0900H 166 Fair None People with respiratory disease, Unhealthy for 08-09 February 2010 0900H – 0900H 268 such as asthma, should limit sensitive groups outdoor exertion Pedestrians should limit outdoor exertion. People with heart or respiratory disease, such as asthma, should stay indoors and 10-11 February 2010 0900H – 0900H 400 Very unhealthy rest as much as possible. Unnecessary trips should be postponed. People should voluntarily restrict the use of vehicles. People with respiratory disease, Unhealthy for 15-16 February 2010 0900H – 0900H 297 such as asthma, should limit sensitive groups outdoor exertion People with respiratory disease, Unhealthy for 18-19 February 2010 0900H – 0900H 316 such as asthma, should limit sensitive groups outdoor exertion Pedestrians should limit outdoor exertion. People with heart or respiratory disease, such as asthma, should stay indoors and 23-24 February 2010 0900H – 0900H 395 Very unhealthy rest as much as possible. Unnecessary trips should be postponed. People should voluntarily restrict the use of vehicles. People with respiratory disease, Unhealthy for 01-02 March 2010 0900H – 0900H 272 such as asthma, should limit sensitive groups outdoor exertion People with respiratory disease, Unhealthy for 08-09 March 2010 0900H – 0900H 309 such as asthma, should limit sensitive groups outdoor exertion 11-12 March 2010 0900H – 0900H 110 Fair None 15-16 March 2010 0900H – 0900H 182 Fair None 18-19 March 2010 0900H – 0900H 136 Fair None 23-24 March 2010 0900H – 0900H 141 Fair None

12-13 April 2010 0900H – 0900H 151 Fair None 19-20 April 2010 0900H – 0900H 24 Good None 26-27 April 2010 0900H – 0900H 145 Fair None 29-30 April 2010 0900H – 0900H 227 Fair None 12-13 May 2010 0900H – 0900H 184 Fair None 18-19 May 2010 0900H – 0900H 224 Fair None 24-25 May 2010 0900H – 0900H 214 Fair None People with respiratory disease, Unhealthy for 26-27 May 2010 0900H – 0900H 256 such as asthma, should limit sensitive groups outdoor exertion People with respiratory disease, Unhealthy for 31 May - 01 Jun 2010 0900H – 0900H 279 such as asthma, should limit sensitive groups outdoor exertion 03-04 June 2010 0900H – 0900H 55 Good None 21-22 June 2010 0900H – 0900H 200 Fair None 06-07 July 2010 0800H – 0800H 221 Fair None 12-13 July 2010 0900H – 0900H 192 Fair None 19-20 July 2010 0800H – 0800H 183 Fair None People with respiratory disease, Unhealthy for 22-23 July 2010 0800H – 0800H 310 such as asthma, should limit sensitive groups outdoor exertion People with respiratory disease, Unhealthy for 26-27 July 2010 0800H – 0800H 300 such as asthma, should limit sensitive groups outdoor exertion People with respiratory disease, Unhealthy for 05-06 August 2010 0800H – 0800H 238 such as asthma, should limit sensitive groups outdoor exertion People with respiratory disease, Unhealthy for 13-14 September 2010 0810H – 0810H 248 such as asthma, should limit sensitive groups outdoor exertion People with respiratory disease, Unhealthy for 20-21 September 2010 0800H – 0800H 313 such as asthma, should limit sensitive groups outdoor exertion 27-28 September 2010 0800H – 0800H 93 Fair None 04-05 October 2010 0900H - 0900H 126 Fair None 12-13 October 2010 0900H - 0900H 182 Fair None People with respiratory disease, Unhealthy for 21-22 October 2010 0800H - 0800H 246 such as asthma, should limit sensitive groups outdoor exertion 26-27 October 2010 0800H - 0800H 184 Fair None 02-03 November 2010 0900H - 0900H 119 Fair None 17-18 November 2010 0900H - 0900H 77 Good None 22-23 November 2010 0900H - 0900H 92 Fair None 23-24 November 2010 0900H - 0900H 150 Fair None 24-25 November 2010 0900H - 0900H 143 Fair None 25-26 November 2010 0900H - 0900H 197 Fair None People with respiratory disease, Unhealthy for 30 Nov - 01 Dec 2010 0900H - 0900H 290 such as asthma, should limit sensitive groups outdoor exertion

01-02 December 2010 0900H - 0900H 95 Fair None People with respiratory disease, Unhealthy for 06-07 December 2010 0900H - 0900H 310 such as asthma, should limit sensitive groups outdoor exertion People with respiratory disease, Unhealthy for 07-08 December 2010 0900H - 0900H 303 such as asthma, should limit sensitive groups outdoor exertion Pedestrians should limit outdoor exertion. People with heart or respiratory disease, such as asthma, should stay indoors and 09-10 December 2010 0900H - 0900H 599 Very unhealthy rest as much as possible. Unnecessary trips should be postponed. People should voluntarily restrict the use of vehicles. People with respiratory disease, Unhealthy for 13-14 December 2010 0900H - 0900H 309 such as asthma, should limit sensitive groups outdoor exertion Pedestrians should limit outdoor exertion. People with heart or respiratory disease, such as asthma, should stay indoors and 14-15 December 2010 0900H - 0900H 429 Very unhealthy rest as much as possible. Unnecessary trips should be postponed. People should voluntarily restrict the use of vehicles. Pedestrians should limit outdoor exertion. People with heart or respiratory disease, such as asthma, should stay indoors and 16-17 December 2010 0900H - 0900H 396 Very unhealthy rest as much as possible. Unnecessary trips should be postponed. People should voluntarily restrict the use of vehicles. 20-21 December 2010 0900H - 0900H 16 Good None

Table 5. Summary of the Air Quality Index of CY 2010 Ambient TSP Monitoring at Station 1 (Capitol Site)

Air Quality Index Number of Samples Percentage Good 4 8 Fair 25 47 Unhealthy for sensitive groups 19 36 Very unhealthy 5 9 Total 53 100

Tables 4 and 5 showed that 8% (4 out of 53) of the samples gathered during CY 2010 at Station 1 (Capitol Site) are categorized as Good air quality while 47% (25 out of 53) are categorized as Fair. Said samples have no cautionary statements for TSP for the general public, comprising of 55% of the samples. For the samples that failed to meet the guideline value for TSP (45% or 24 out of 53), 19 are categorized as Unhealthy for sensitive groups while 5 are indexed as Very unhealthy. The month of December 2010 had the most number of periods categorized as Very unhealthy air quality (3 samples).

Table 6. Air Quality Index of CY 2010 Ambient PM10 Monitoring at Station 2 (Municipal Hall)

Pollutant-Specific Time of Concentration Air Quality Date of Sampling Cautionary Sampling (µg/Ncm) Index Statement 25-26 February 2010 0900H – 0900H 67 Fair None 26-27 February 2010 0915H - 0915H 84 Fair None 27-28 February 2010 0915H - 0915H 42 Good None 28 Feb - 01 Mar 2010 0915H - 0915H 59 Fair None 01-02 March 2010 1000H - 1000H 59 Fair None 02-03 March 2010 1400H - 1400H 55 Fair None 03-04 March 2010 1430H - 1430H 42 Good None 05-06 March 2010 0915H - 0915H 55 Fair None 17-18 March 2010 0830H - 0830H 46 Good None 14-15 May 2010 0900H – 0900H 54.97 Fair None 23-24 November 2010 1115H - 1115H 8.4 Good None 25-26 November 2010 0930H - 0930H Invalid Invalid Not applicable 26-27 November 2010 0930H - 0930H 8.37 Good None 01-02 December 2010 0930H - 0930H 20.81 Good None

Table 7. Summary of the Air Quality Index of CY 2010 Ambient PM10 Monitoring at Station 2 (Municipal Hall)

Air Quality Index Number of Samples Percentage Good 6 46 Fair 7 54 Total 13 100

As presented earlier, Tables 6 and 7 also showed that the thirteen (13) valid samples collected at Station 2 (Municipal Hall) are within the short-term National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Value for PM10 of the Philippines. Of the thirteen samples, six (6) are categorized as Good air quality representing 46% of the total number of samples gathered during CY 2010 at Station 2 while 47% (7 out of 13) are categorized as Fair. Said samples have no cautionary statements for TSP for the general public.

The geometric mean of all the samples taken for the year determines the ambient air quality for long-term (one-year) averaging time of the area pursuant to the National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values (NAAQGV) of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999. Table 8 shows the summary of the results of the long-term (one- year) ambient TSP monitoring in the airshed area.

Table 8. Results of Geometric Mean of Ambient TSP Monitoring, Baco-Calapan City-Naujan Airshed (CY 2002-2010).

Number of Concentration Guideline Value CY Remarks Samples (µg/Ncm) (μg/Ncm) Station Location: Km 5, Brgy. Sta. Isabel, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro 2002 6 132 90 Failed 2004 26 173 90 Failed Station Location: PENRO Office, Brgy. Suqui, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro 2005 12 86 90 Passed 2006 28 110 90 Failed Station Location: PGENRO Office, Capitol Site, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro 2007 9 151 90 Failed 2008 18 137 90 Failed 2009 15 235 90 Failed 2010 53 190 90 Failed Station Location: Provincial Nursery, Brgy. Ilaya, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro 2009 6 64 90 Passed

Figure 7 shows the graph of the geometric mean of the samples gathered for the TSP monitoring from CY 2002 – 2010 at the various stations established within the airshed area for the determination of the long-term TSP concentration and comparison with the long-term TSP guideline value (90 µg/Ncm). Results showed that samples gathered during CY 2005 at PENRO Office Station and during CY 2009 at the Provincial Nursery Station passed the long-term (one-year) National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Value for Total Suspended Particulates (TSP). However, please be noted that only during the CY 2010 monitoring that the minimum required number of samples was met. The National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 state that “SO2 and Suspended Particulate matter are sampled once every six days when using the manual methods. A minimum of twelve sampling days per quarter or forty-eight (48) sampling days each year is required for these methods. Daily sampling may be done in the future once continuous analyzers are procured and become available.” A total of fifty three (53) samples were gathered during CY 2010 at Station 1 (Capitol Site). The rest of the years covered for monitoring the airshed area for TSP did not meet the minimum criteria number of samples.

Figure 7. Laboratory Results of Ambient TSP Monitoring (long term), CY 2002 – 2010

Figure 8 below shows the annual trend of the TSP concentration at Station 1 (Capitol Site) since the monitoring started at the said location during CY 2007. Results showed that from CY 2007-2010, the geometric mean of the monitoring data gathered did not meet the long-term guideline value for TSP. However, a 19% reduction on the level of TSP was noted during CY 2010 as compared with the CY 2009 TSP level.

Figure 8. Trend of the Results of Ambient TSP Monitoring (long term) at Station 1 (Capitol Site), CY 2007 – 2010

Table 9. Results of Geometric Mean of Ambient PM10 Monitoring, Baco- Calapan City-Naujan Airshed (CY 2008-2010).

Number of Concentration Guideline Value CY Remarks Samples (µg/Ncm) (μg/Ncm) Station Location: Municipal Hall, Poblacion, Baco, Oriental Mindoro 2008 1 21 60 Passed 2009 8 28 60 Passed 2010 13 38 60 Passed

Table 9 shows the summary of the results of the long-term (one-year) ambient PM10 monitoring in the airshed area, with the equipment installed at Baco, Oriental Mindoro. However, please be noted that all sampling episodes conducted for PM10 since CY 2008 also did not meet the minimum criteria number of forty-eight sampling episodes for the year: only 1 sample during CY 2008, 8 samples during CY 2009 and 13 samples during CY 2010.

Figure 9. Trend of the Results of Ambient PM10 Monitoring (long term) at Station 2 (Municipal Hall), CY 2008 – 2010

However, for comparison, the geometric mean of the available samples taken for PM10 monitoring at Baco was determined and was compared with the long-term PM10 guideline value of 60 µg/Ncm. Results showed that the PM10 levels of the area monitored is still within the said guideline value. However, an increasing trend in the level of PM10 was noted from CY 2008 to 2010. Further, a 36% increase in the level of PM10 was recorded during CY 2010 as compared with the CY 2009 level.

VII. Recommendations

Results of the ambient air quality monitoring conducted for CY 2010 for the Baco-Calapan City-Naujan airshed area showed that 45% of the samples gathered at Station 1 (Capitol Site) for monitoring the level of TSP at the area failed to meet the short-term guideline value for TSP (230 µg/Ncm). Of the samples that failed the guideline values, nineteen (19) sampling episodes are categorized by the air quality index (AQI) as Unhealthy for sensitive groups while five (5) sampling episodes are indexed as Very unhealthy air quality.

Meanwhile all samples gathered at Station 2 (Municipal Hall) for monitoring the PM10 levels are within the short-term guideline value for PM10 (150 µg/Ncm), with six(6) sampling episodes categorized by the AQI as Good air quality while seven (7) are indexed as Fair. The National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Value (NAAQGV) for Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) and Particulate Matter Less Than 10 Microns (PM10) are means to determine the level of air quality at a particular area necessary to protect public health and safety and general welfare.

The long term (annual) result for Total Suspended Particulates, computed by taking the geometric mean of all the samples taken for the year, also exceeded its respective DENR guideline value. However, a 19% reduction in the TSP level of the area monitored was noted as compared with the previous year.

On the other hand, long-term (annual) assessment of the PM10 concentration at the station in Baco yielded results that are still within the PM10 guideline value. However, there is an increasing trend in the PM10 levels in the said station.

In view hereof, several actions were hereby recommended in air quality management in order to improve the air quality and monitoring protocol of the area.

1. Continuous strict implementation of the environmental laws, rules and regulations for the management of stationary sources, particularly in the ricemill projects in the area (permitting); 2. Implementation of the vehicle reduction and/or traffic rerouting scheme within the area of the Capitol Site station relative to the influx of motor vehicles plying the area due to the completion of the Philippine Nautical Highway and increased economic activities with the declaration of Calapan City as the Regional Center of the MIMAROPA Region; 3. Implementation of measures to mitigate the air pollution caused during road and building construction operations. 4. Strengthening of the information and education campaign to the local government units and other concerned stakeholders in the implementation of the provisions of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999; 5. Continuous observance in the frequency of sampling at Capitol Site station while strengthening the frequency of sampling at Municipal Hall station; and

6. Acquisition of additional monitoring equipment in order to strengthen the ambient air quality monitoring network of the airshed area, to be installed at the Municipality of Naujan.