August 24, 2025, Marikina– advocates and artists Duane David and Tin Andales joined staged a photo action today during the Marikina Car-Free Sunday as part of “Life in a Bubble” campaign, calling for stronger air quality standards in the Philippines. Led by 350 Pilipinas, co-organized with Happy Pedal Project and Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia, and supported by the Marikina City Government This latest staging in a car-free zone underscored not just the demand for stricter standards, but also the urgent call for prioritizing our communities. Cities must draw the line against air pollution by strengthening efforts to establish low-emission zones, with local governments, leading the way in moving away from fossil fuel dependency. Photo: Nadia Cruz
MARIKINA, 24 AUGUST 2025 – Climate advocates and public figures Duane David and Tin Andales joined 350 Pilipinas in a visual action today as part of its ongoing “Life in a Bubble” campaign, calling for stronger air quality standards in the Philippines.
In the tableau, David and Andales were enclosed inside a giant 8-foot transparent bubble while enjoying the benefits in Car-Free Marikina. The tableau illustrated the stark inequality of air pollution exposure, with both figures symbolizing the few who can afford “protection,” while millions of Filipinos breathe unsafe air every day.
“Air pollution is a silent crisis that affects all communities, driven largely by our dependence on fossil fuels for energy and transport. It’s time to update our outdated Clean Air Act in line with WHO standards” said Ara Alejo, Clean Air Campaigner of 350 Pilipinas. “The government must act urgently to draw the line against air pollution by strengthening efforts to establish low-emission zones and reduce carbon emissions. Local governments, in particular, must lead the way in moving away from fossil fuel dependency,” he added.
Ramon San Pascual, MPH, the Executive Director of Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia put emphasis on the health impacts to Filipinos brought by air pollution. “Air pollution in Metro Manila has reached the scale of a public health emergency, worsening respiratory illnesses and cardiovascular diseases among our communities. Health professionals, including those in our network in the Health Alliance for Climate and Clean Air Philippines, are at the forefront of fighting air pollution by bringing up this health issue to authorities including DOH and DENR. By demanding for higher air quality standards to the level set by WHO, doctors, nurses, and other health workers are making clear the vital link between clean air, health, and the need to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Clean air is not a privilege—it is a basic right, and our standards must uphold that.”
“Happy Pedal Project is a Marikina-based bike community that pushes for active transport through cyclo-tourism. We bring together riders of all ages and genders, exploring different places while showing how biking can be a practical and fun way to get around. As our community grows, we’re also raising awareness and pushing for safer streets, better mobility infrastructure, and a healthier environment for everyone.” said Stephen So, Founder of Happy Pedal Project
The Philippines’ current air quality standards, adopted more than two decades ago, remain far behind global benchmarks set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Health experts warn that failure to revise these standards continues to expose millions to heightened risks of respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and premature death.
The Marikina action followed previous “Life in a Bubble” performances in Manila and Mandaluyong with Soliman Cruz and Mercedes Cabral respectively. This latest staging in a car-free zone underscored not just the demand for stricter standards, but also the urgent call for sustainable transport policies to reduce harmful emissions.
August 24, 2025, Marikina– advocates and artists Duane David and Tin Andales joined staged a photo action today during the Marikina Car-Free Sunday as part of “Life in a Bubble” campaign, calling for stronger air quality standards in the Philippines. Led by 350 Pilipinas, co-organized with Happy Pedal Project and Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia, and supported by the Marikina City Government This latest staging in a car-free zone underscored not just the demand for stricter standards, but also the urgent call for prioritizing our communities. Cities must draw the line against air pollution by strengthening efforts to establish low-emission zones, with local governments, leading the way in moving away from fossil fuel dependency. Photo: Nadia Cruz
About the Organizers:
350 Pilipinas is an advocacy organization that works for climate action based on the realities of science and grounded on the principles of justice
Health Care Without Harm seeks to transform health care worldwide so that it reduces its environmental impact, becomes a community anchor for sustainability, and a leader in the global movement for environmental health and justice.
Happy Pedal Project is a volunteer run bike advocacy group based in Marikina. It advocates active transport through cyclo-tourism, bike safety, and inclusivity