In a recent announcement, bringing joy to environmental advocates and residents alike, Calamba City in Laguna has earned distinction as the least polluted city in the Philippines and the sixth cleanest city across Southeast Asia. This accolade, bestowed by the esteemed 2023 IQAir World Air Quality Report, highlights the city's steadfast commitment to combating air pollution and fostering a healthier environment.
The report, which meticulously reviews PM2.5 air quality from thousands of cities worldwide, highlights the significance of addressing this minuscule yet impactful air pollutant. PM2.5 particles, notorious for their ability to deeply penetrate the respiratory system, pose significant health risks to individuals exposed to them.
According to the findings, Calamba City has secured the sixth position in Southeast Asia, boasting an impressive average PM2.5 level of 8.2 μg/m3. Notably, this places Calamba as the cleanest city within the Philippines. Following closely behind are Carmona, Cavite, and Balanga, Bataan, ranked ninth and eleventh, respectively, with equally commendable air quality levels.
Strengthening Environmental Regulations
The accolade didn't come by chance but through dedicated efforts from the Calamba City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and the local government. With a firm commitment to preserving this pristine status, CENRO is gearing up to reinforce existing environmental ordinances, particularly those concerning single-use plastics.
Ronn Martin Reyes, the supervising environmental management specialist of CENRO Calamba, highlighted the forthcoming measures in an interview with the Philippine Information Agency Usapang PIA radio program. He emphasized plans to review and enhance current ordinances to discourage plastic usage among residents.
Towards Sustainable Waste Management
Integral to this initiative is the city's new 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan, aligning with national directives. Reyes explained the plan's key components, including waste analysis, innovative technologies integration, and a concerted effort to reduce plastic consumption.
Community-Centric Initiatives
Beyond legislative actions, Calamba's environmental endeavors are palpable through various community-centric projects. Task Force KKK (Kalikasan at Kalinisan para sa Kaligtasan) spearheads citywide cleaning operations, while a city ordinance prohibits garbage burning to mitigate air pollution risks.
Continued Excellence
This isn't the first time Calamba City has been lauded for its environmental stewardship. In the 2018 IQAir World Air Quality Report, the city secured recognition as the cleanest city in Southeast Asia and within the Philippines, underscoring a consistent commitment to environmental excellence.
