A Statement of Commitment and Collaboration for
Clean Air and a Healthier Future in the Philippines

The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 stands as a landmark legislation dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the country’s air quality. This pivotal act sets out to reduce air pollution, safeguard public health, and ensure a healthier environment for current and future generations. It serves as a model for environmental policy in the Southeast Asian region and contributes to global efforts in combating air pollution and mitigating climate change. As we commemorate the Act’s 25th anniversary, we must renew our commitment and solidify our efforts to fulfill its promises.

Each year, approximately 7 million lives globally are tragically cut short due to the adverse impacts of air pollution. This silent menace adversely affects neurological development in children, leading to premature deaths, as well as a higher prevalence of diseases such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory infections, including pneumonia and allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema and urticaria.

We recognize that particulate matter with diameters ranging 10 micrometers (PM10) and less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5), including substances like sulfate and black carbon, penetrate deep into the lungs and cardiovascular system, compounding the health risks for our population. Within the Philippine context, our concern is exacerbated by disconcerting statistics. A recent study has revealed that our country bears the brunt of this crisis, with air pollution responsible for 66,230 deaths in the country in 2019, of which 64,920 deaths were estimated to be adults and 1,310 children. 

As health professionals and staunch advocates for both environmental and public health, we bear a profound responsibility to safeguard our communities against the perils posed by air pollution. Our role is multifaceted and compelling. We, as health professionals, can leverage our expertise and influence to advocate for stricter air quality standards, educate the public on the health risks of air pollution, and collaborate with policymakers to implement effective solutions.

And we stand ready to support the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), as the overall of the lead agency implementer of the Clean Air Act, along with the Department of Health (DOH), and other pertinent government bodies and non-government organizations, in their initiatives aimed at combating air pollution.

To protect public health, we commit to working together to:

• Update our national air quality guideline values, aligning with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) latest recommendations (2021), understanding that it will require a phased approach to achieve these stricter, health-protective levels. We are committed to support and collaborate with the DENR and DOH in providing evidence-based recommendations that will guide our approach in this process.
• Invest in and significantly enhance our air quality monitoring systems, fostering transparency and providing accessible real-time information to the public. By doing this, we can ensure stricter implementation of air quality monitoring policies and standards. As health professionals, we will actively engage with communities to translate this data into actionable steps to protect their health.
• Advocate for active transportation solutions, such as cycling and walking, to promote public health and reduce air pollution. Active transport not only improves air quality but also offers significant health benefits, including reduced rates of chronic diseases and enhanced overall well-being. We will work to create safer, more accessible infrastructure for active transportation in our communities.
• Champion this issue in the international arena, recognizing that air pollution and climate change are global challenges that require a united, equitable approach. We commit to advocating for stronger international policies and cooperation, emphasizing the need for equity and support for vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by these issues.

On this 25th day of June 2024, we join hands in a resolute pledge to combat air pollution and its dire consequences on our nation’s health. It is time to elevate our commitment beyond words and catalyze transformative action. Together, we can breathe life into a future where clean air is not a luxury but a fundamental right for all Filipinos.

Signed this 25th day of June 2024 at the Department of Health, Manila City, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau, Quezon City, Philippines.

List of Signatories (as of 09 July 2024):