The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas (EMB-7), has installed air quality monitoring equipment at the Lapu-Lapu City Hall to help track pollution levels and support environmental protection efforts in the city.
The PM10 air quality monitoring equipment was installed on Thursday through a partnership between DENR-EMB 7 and the Lapu-Lapu City Government’s City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).
The city government said the monitoring station will provide data on ambient air quality, allowing authorities to assess environmental conditions and identify possible sources of air pollution.
The PM10 equipment measures airborne particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or smaller.
These particles may come from various sources, including road dust, construction activities, industrial emissions, open burning, and vehicle exhaust.
Environmental officials said prolonged exposure to PM10 may affect public health, particularly the respiratory system, making continuous air quality monitoring important in urban areas experiencing development and increased traffic.
Data collected from the monitoring station will establish baseline information on Lapu-Lapu City’s air quality and help authorities track long-term pollution trends.
The information will also be used to evaluate existing environmental programs and determine whether additional measures are needed to address air pollution concerns.
The city government said the monitoring data will support evidence-based planning and policymaking, particularly in environmental management and urban development initiatives.
To further improve monitoring capabilities, an Environmental Beta Attenuation Monitor (E-BAM) is also expected to be installed in the future to complement the PM10 monitoring system.
The E-BAM equipment will provide continuous and automated air quality measurements, allowing authorities to monitor changes in pollution levels more frequently.
The installation was carried out with the support of DENR-EMB 7, led by Regional Director Atty. John Edward Ang, in coordination with CENRO and the Lapu-Lapu City Government.
City officials said the project reflects the continued partnership between the local government and DENR in strengthening environmental monitoring, improving air quality management, and promoting public health and sustainable development in Lapu-Lapu City.
Photo courtesy of Lapu-Lapu City PIO
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