Clean Air 10th Anniversary Celebration, Philippines

On June 23, Clean Air 10 Celebration was held at Skyline Riverbend Hotel in Marikina, Metro Manila. The theme of this celebration is “Ligtas Hangin, Ligtas Klima” and the topic is "Conference on Empowering LGU's to clean the air and address climate change through partnerships". Clean Air 10 is organized by four governmental developments [Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)] and and Partnership for Clean Air (PCA). More than 250 participants from national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), non-governmental organization (NGOs) and academe, private sector, civil society and concerned individuals joined the celebration.

The aims of this celebration are to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Clean Air Act in the Philippines and overview the act implementation in the past ten years. Key presentations were firstly addressed in the morning. During the lunch time, PCA and CAI-Aisa center launched “Ligtas Hangin” campaign. “Ligtas Hangin” means save the air. There are at least three impressions from the logo (see below):


1. The air swirl forms a smile, because clean air means healthy air
2. The shape of the face can also represent a house (indoor air), the tailpipe of a vehicle (mobile sources), the silhouette of a factory (stationary sources), or the border between two territories (transboundary air pollution)
3. Air pollution is linked to climate change, so the swirl can also depict an approaching typhoon

For details, please http://ligtashangin.blogspot.com/

In the afternoon, all participants were separated into five discussion groups (Awareness raising and Networking, Capacity Building, Funding, Policy and Technologies). I took part in a policy discussion group and realized the national air quality status, the existing air quality action plans, and boundaries of these plans in the Philippines.


By the end of the day, one representative from each group presented the views. The ten-point actions (Clean Air 10) were finally summarized and the organization encouraged the governments, LGUs, NGOs, academe, private sectors to implement the actions to celebrate "the clean air" in 10th anniversary. This celebration will be continued in November.

Conference on “Hong Kong on the Bicycle”

Bimalka, May 2009

During our preparatory course at Bangkok, my self and Linh had a plan to buy our own bicycles and travel to Polytechnic University and around Hong Kong. Well, when we arrived to Hong Kong, we realized that our plan is just a dream……………. with unsupported cycling infrastructure in urban area and “No cycling” sign boards. When we heard about the conference on “Hong Kong on the Bicycle” on 23rd May 2009, we were eager to be part of it.


This was organized jointly by the Fringe Club, The Conservancy Association, Designing Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Cycling Alliance, HKCI.net and the Hong Kong Mountain Bike Association at Fringe Theatre in Central. The event was sponsored by the Consulate-General of the Netherlands. Discussion was focus on should cycling be limited to sports and recreation, or should it be recognized as a legitimate form of Transport; is Hong Kong ready for commuting by bicycle; is it possible for vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles to share roads safely.

Prof. Hung Wing-tat, Director of the Conservancy Association chaired the conference. Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) official made a presentation explaining Government plan on cycle track network in the New Territories to increase the recreational value. Transport Department representative share his view on recent trend of bicycle accidents in Hong Kong refereeing to accident statistics and their effort in promotion bicycling safety through education and publicity. Other Speakers pointed out that Hong Kong government sees cycling as a recreational activity, however consider difficult to deal as a regular transport mode. It was highlighted the policy environment and conflicts for cycling in Hong Kong. Lawren from Web master of Hong Kong Cyclist Information Net; made a presentation by giving the counter examples of the changing cycling mode in China and Taiwan, to forecast the changes of development of cycling in Hong Kong. It was also pointed out that Hong Kong has limited roads where cycling at speed can take place safely, if cycling is to be given a fair ride and given special recognition. It was further said that more education of drivers or cyclists are need as to how these roads can be safely shared. Andrew, member of Yuen Long District Youth Forum preparatory committee, explained that as an active youth group how they involve in Yuen Long District to promote cycling for low income groups. His presentation includes, bicycle parks in the area, usage and current problems that they are facing. Some of the suggestions that they presented was very interesting to improve bicycle parks in the area. Audience brought up the importance of cultivating the concept of sharing of space among road users, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Most interesting speaker to me was Mr. Jan van Der Grift who spoke taking examples from the cycling cases in the Netherlands. He speech gave the audiences more hope and how to put in practice on cycling as a regular transport mode.


I was glad to be part of this fruitful discussion. Sri Lanka too has similar issues in the urban areas having narrow road, inadequacy of cycling infrastructure, issues on safety/ cyclist crashes, conflict between other road users and cyclists etc...By a show of hands, the forum participants agreed to call on the government to act as follow;
•Plan and facilitate cycling as a mode of regular transport
•Provide routes and facilities which are coherent, direct, state, comfortable, attractive and environmentally sustainable.
•Initially, prioritize the New Territories, islands and new urban zones as cycling districts which can be extended to the entire territory
•Cultivate the sharing of space by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians
•Create a cycling advisory board with representatives from community cycling concern, sports and professional bodies
•Require public transport companies to review/ relax their current practices regarding carrying bikes on board so as to enhance making cycling as integral part of the whole Transport system.

Hope future Hong Kong will have infrastructure for safe and environmentally sustainable place for cyclists that inspire our dream come true.

Three day visit to Environmental Protection Department

Bimalka, March 2009

After completing the literature review on vehicle emission control strategy in Hong Kong, Prof Wing tat has arranged my self and Linh to visit EPD during the month of March. During my three day visit (6th, 17th and 18th March) programme was facilitated by Mr. John Wong, Environmental Protection Officer and Mr. SM Wong, Chief Environmental Protection Inspector of Vehicle Emission Control Section, Mobile Source Control unit.

This was a great opportunity for me to clarify unclear area of SVCP. I collected related information’s such as Road Traffic Ordinance, code of practice (COP), accreditation procedures of the centres and other related regulation procedures that in return help to improve our on-going programme in Sri Lanka. It was also gave me a chance to discuss malpractices, overcome corruption, how the equipment auditing, data recording is carried out by HKEPD. I also understand how the data transfer from the testing centres to EPD, how testing proceed at the centres etc.


Second day of my visit, Mr. SM Wong made a presentation on Smoky Vehicle Control Programme. Then we went to Remote Sensing testing site with Mr. William Wong and get experience on advanced equipments and techniques used. This activity was arranged by EPD for my request to study on going research work in the field of Remote Sensing. I greatly appreciate EPD for responding for my request and making necessary arrangements with Environmental Technology Consultants (ETC) Ltd. officials. They have selected a site closer to EPD and ETC officials explained the testing procedures. This gave me experience on how remote sensing technology was used for screening dirty Petrol and LPG vehicles and also how EPD carry out research activities with relevant organizations. After that we visited the designated imported vehicle testing centre laboratory belongs to ETC. Gary Parker gave me an excellent explanation on laboratory equipments. This gave me experience on how the testing is proceed at the centres and also collect related forms and documents that in return to improve Sri Lankan Programme.


On the third day we went to Yuen Long in New Territories to visit Vehicle Emission Testing Centre belongs to Crown Motors Ltd. When I went there I felt that John and SM have selected the best center for me to visit. This centre is responsible for EPD enforcement mechanism for diesel vehicles below 5.5 tonnes and also for diesel vehicles above 5.5 tonnes (for medium and heavy goods vehicles, single and double deck buses, and special purpose vehicles. This center has a designated CTC under Transport Department providing annual roadworthiness testing for petrol private cars and light goods vehicles below 1.9 tonnes. During our stay there was two light goods trucks and one double deck bus were present for testing. Also there were three petrol cars to receive annual roadworthiness testing from TD DCTC. Therefore I got exposure of all three type of testing equipments and how the testing was proceeding at the center.

I highly appreciate EPD for taking time from their busy schedule and sharing experience and knowledge related to Smoky Vehicle Control Programme and for their hospitality during my three days visit.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2009

Let's celebrate world environment day 2009 with theme "Your Planet Needs You-UNite to Combat Climate Change"

The Public Forum “Review of the air quality objectives (AQOs) and Development of a long-term air quality strategy for Hong Kong”

I and Bimalka attended the Public Forum which was held in the Exhibition Hall of the Hong Kong Productivity Council in Kowloon Tong on Friday, 20 March 2009.

There were three principal elements in the Discussion
- The proposed new objectives.
- The measures and process for setting and reviewing Air quality objectives (AQOs).
- The likely benefit of certain emission reduction measures

More than 400 people joined the Forum, and extra seats were needed the day before Even though the Forum was during business hours . The Consultants presented the proposed revised AQOs, 33 proposals to reduce pollution and a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of these proposals. Most of the Q&A session focused on the CBA and time table for new AQOs.


Although both the Government and Consultants have repeatedly expressed the priority of addressing public health in setting the new AQOs, the Consultant couldn’t give the explanation for how much current health impacts will be reduced by the proposed measures and how they gave the new standard in new AQOs. On the other hand the Government was unwilling to commit to a timeline for implementation full AQOs
The Public Forum widened my view about how the public reacted to the proposal from Government. Many people in many different social positions came to the Forum and contribute their comments with the strong desire to improve the air quality and the public health. Some people even wore the biological masks as one way to protest air pollution.

The Discussion was only within 2 hours, but recorded many valuable contributions for Consultant and Government in next steps.

Fruitful Activites in Manila, April

Today is May 4, 2009. I have stayed in Manila for almost 2 months. Time flies like an arrow. In April, I took part in the framework of Shanghai Expo project, attended a Country Network Summit in Manila and conducted two air quality management background researches in Thailand and Indonesia. Besides, my husband visited me during the Eastern Holiday and I participated in a Firefly cycling event.

Shanghai Expo Project

In the first week of April, I followed up the Shanghai Expo project. I collected the projects of the air quality management that were implemented by the Chinese Central Government during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Since most documents are in Chinese, I translated the key words in English and summarized the findings to May and Sophie in the meeting. Finally, we generalized the framework and the work plan of Shanghai Expo project and allocated work to the center colleagues in China as well.

Vacation in Bohol

During the Eastern Holiday, my husband and I went to Bohol in Cebu, the Philippines. We did snorkeling and the scuba diving, and visited the Chocolate Hill (the Landmark of Bohol) and saw the Philippine Tarsier (one of the smallest primates on the earth). We really enjoyed the sunshine in the beach.










Country Network Summit

On April 14-15, the center organized the CAI-Asia Center Country Network Summit 2009 at Sophie home. The aims of this summit are to promote the partnership between the center and eight Asia countries and to share the experience in improving the air quality of Asian cities. The CAI-Asia County Networks include China, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Viet Nam and India. Ten partners from these 8 countries participated in this summit. A group photos was taken in the homemade tree house at Sophie home, see below.











On the first day, the center staff presented the CAI for Asian Cities Strategy and Business Plans 2009-2010 and CAI-Asia Top 10 projects for 2009-2010, and the partners shared their experience in clean air projects. All partners and the center staff enjoyed the welcome dinner in Tiendesitas, see above picture. On the morning of the second day, May and I introduced a foundation course of Air Quality Management in Asia to the partners. On that day afternoon, the center staff and the individual partner discussed the clean air plan in each country first and identify the proposed project.

This summit is very successful. During the summit, the center staff understood the need from the partners and provided the proper clean air action plans for them in order to improve the air quality in Asia. On the other hand, these countries partners shared their achievements and received an assistance of their difficulties from the center staff.

Fireflies Cycling Event

On April 19, four of the center staff including I participated in the 11th Tour of the Fireflies cycling event, which was organized by the Firefly Brigade. The aim of this event is to raise the public awareness on the benefits of using the bicycle as a sustainable form of transportation. On that day, we wore the same T-shirt with logo (Ligtas Hangin) that means “save the air”. I biked a bicycle borrowed from Sophie and completed the whole route of 43 km with the support of Bert. All of us were exhausted but enjoyed the event so much. After the event, Mike, Knowledge and Communications Manager from the center, interviewed us and wrote a blog about our feelings. For detail, please visit http://cai-asia.blogspot.com/.











Country Profile Research

In the last two weeks of April, I focused on the Country profile research in Thailand and Indonesia, under a GZT project. The aim of this research is to analyze the possibility of developing and implementing clean air action plans in the proposed cities in Thailand and Indonesia. This project covers four main tasks including air quality and regulation, legal and political framework, sakeholders and science and air quality management. My duties are to diagnose the first and the last ones. The center also employed the local to assist us to complete the other two tasks.

Firstly, I read the country synthesis report on urban air quality managements, a book “Urban Air Pollution in Asia Cities”, searched a lot of air quality management information from the world wide web and collected the air quality data. Then, I summarized the information and reported to May and Glynda. Since some documents are in Thai and Indonesian, we have asked the local to take part in this project in translating some documents and collecting air quality data from the local agencies as well.

A Roundtable on Breaking Barriers to the Adoption of Clean Air Technologies, March 2009

A Roundtable on Breaking Barriers to the Adoption of Clean Air Technologies was held in SMX Convention Center, Manila on March 20, 2009. This forum was organized by the Partnership for Clean Air (PCA). PCA is a multi-sector network in The Philippines with organizational members from government, civil society, academic institutions and private sector. PCA also serves as the country network of CAI-Asia in the Philippines.

The aim of this forum is to discuss the barriers of clean air in the Philippines and suggest the possible actions from the government, NGO, academic sector to improve the air quality since “Philippine Clean Air of 1999” signed in 1999 and implemented in 2000. On that day, the representatives from the governments, private companies, NGO and the universities presented the current situation of clean air projects and opinions what barriers they have encountered and how to improve the current situation. They were enthusiastic about better air quality in the Philippines. I like them so much.

For me, I leant a lot from this forum. Since I had just stayed in Manila for 10 days, I was not familiar with the regulation of clean air in the Philippines. In the forum, I met many peoples from the government and private companies, and realized the barriers in implementing the Act in the Philippines. Now, I am staying in Manila for 10 months, it is a good chance for me to learn more about the national air quality management policies in the Philippines, other than Hong Kong’s.