ILOILO CITY—The provincial government of Guimaras inked an agreement with the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-6) - Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-6) to reduce air pollution.
“What we have is free air, it doesn’t cost anything. But it is our responsibility to maintain it,” said Guimaras Governor Samuel Gumarin.
As part of the National Clean Air Month celebration, Gumarin signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with EMB-6 Regional Director Ramar Niel Pascua.
The MOA is a collaborative effort in addressing the sources of air pollution, particularly motor vehicle emissions.
Gumarin said out that the growth and development of Guimaras, a small island province across Iloilo City, have seen an increase in the number of cars and motorcycles.
"There’s a need to lessen the pollution coming from these sources," he added.
Gumarin also issued an executive order to create the Guimaras Anti-Smoke Belching Unit (ASBU) and strengthen the implementation of the Philippine Clean Air Act in the province’s five towns.
EMB-6 has committed to provide technical assistance to the province of Guimaras and lend its equipment in monitoring air quality.