Essay For Clean Air Act by Ross Emerson Realino of BSCE 3C

Realino, Ross Emerson S.
BSCE – 3C
Since the explosion of the Industrial Revolution, technology has already intervened with
the society more than before. Everything you see, and take are manufactured. Factories came to
rise, different forms of transportation have conquered our roads, cigarettes have gradually
increased its burning in our lungs, and a lot more engines have fueled our world and polluted our
atmosphere. This new wave of man's magnum opus has obviously made a great impact in our
modern world. Maybe it's wrong to say that we are not part of the evolution of our world.
As we reach the peak of convenience we get from it, we have become untrue to ourselves
that our world is both moving in forwards and in backwards. We have become a modern man in
a way that we have already forgotten to be a human. We are the solution and we are the problem.
In my own perspective, everyone is to blame. These environmental issues grew up to be a global
crisis. Polluting the air has caused several health complications, particularly in the respiratory
system. These pollutants have massively contributed to the alarming Global Warming. Several
government and non-government organizations have already launched countless programs,
passed bills, signed treaties, and a lot more. The United Nations is one of the leading partners in
taking action in saving our environment. Each of us has their own responsibility to take part in
saving our world. As part of this ever changing world, we should now spark a light of awareness
and action. This is not a drill. This is a serious matter.
In the Philippines, the Philippine Clean Air Act - Republic Act RA 8749 was
implemented to promote and protect our environment. But this law is not strictly implemented by
our law enforcers. As a result, the people will do everything they want without considering the
effect it will make to the environment. People will keep on violating the law because they know
that they can keep on doing the same act all over again without being caught and if they are
caught, they know that the fine equivalent to their violation is not that alarming. From the
observations I have taken, I have realized that this Act needs some revisions and improvements.
This is one of the Sections that I recommend to gain improvements. Under the Article 1, Section
2 of the Clean Air Act, a part of it states that:
"The State shall promote and protect the global environment to attain sustainable
development while recognizing the primary responsibility of local government units to deal with
environmental problems."
"The State also recognizes the principle that “polluters must pay.”
It is clearly stated that the government has the responsibility to supervise and implement
the law in their corresponding area they govern. In return, people shall pay for the violation they
have made. It is not clearly stated what the polluters or violators will do if they violate. It is also
obviously observed that most of the local sectors neglect the implementation of the law. To
improve this Section, it is necessary to clearly state the consequence a violator needs to undergo,
regardless of his or her status in the society. Both common people and the government shall be
responsible with their acts. They should impose a higher fine for all violators to implement
discipline. The declaration of the policy should be strongly implemented. Granting permits for
businesses that could affect the air should be strictly imposed.
Last July 4, 2017, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu has vowed that the Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will strictly enforce Republic Act 8749 or the
Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 as part of its commitment to improve air quality in the wake of
renewed concerns over coal-fired power plant emissions. The environment chief made the
statement after environmental advocates led by the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice
(PMCJ) petitioned the Supreme Court to compel the DENR and the Department of Energy to
strictly regulate the operations of coal-fired power plants in the country. He also said the DENR,
through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), regularly reviews its policies designed
to reduce air pollution and protect human health and the environment. Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has also partnered with the transport sector to
improve air quality in Metro Manila. The agency and transport leaders signed a memorandum of
agreement (MOA) for the conduct of free emission testing of public utility jeepneys (PUJs) at
their respective garages and terminals. These enforcements of the government are giving us hope
that there are still improvements being lined-up to strengthen the Clean Air Act.
In addition to this, cigarette smoking should be strictly reduced or even ban them from
the market. Cigarettes should be produced with higher tax for in fact, there is no good in
smoking. It only affects the health and the environment. As a result, people will prefer not to buy
them. The burning of dried leaves and the garbage should be strictly prohibited too. Filipinos
should be educated and well-informed about this matter. Discipline should be strictly applied to
every individuals and the government should be more strict and serious. The Clean Air Act
should be the foundation of all force and action in maintaining a clean and safe air. We are all
part of everything and we are everything in all parts.
References:
http://www.chanrobles.com/philippinecleanairact.htm#.WWD_qISGOM_
http://www.philstar.com:8080/business/2016/01/25/1545902/denr-transport-sector-work-
improve-air-quality-philippines
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/scitech/science/616796/denr-s-cimatu-to-intensify-
enforcement-of-clean-air-act/story/

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