Officials, folks issue mixed reactions on Baguio air pollution

BAGUIO CITY — Officials and residents here aired mixed reactions on a television news report basing  from a World Health Organization advisory that  this city has the most polluted air in the country.

This, as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources belied Wednesday the report saying it quoted a WHO report based on Environmental Management Bureau’s 2010 air pollution findings.

EMB head Oscar Cabanayan said Baguio’s air pollution in 2010 was 96 from the annual ambient particulate matter 10 (PM 10) concentration, but said the figures did not represent situation in 2014.

Cabanayan said while Baguio’s air quality worsened in 2010, the particular data was culled from the Central 

Business District (CBD) and, as such, did not represent the entire highland city.

He said when the data was gathered in 2010, the country was facing El Niño and dealing with a number of forest fires in the surrounding region which could have contributed to the high monitor readings on air pollution.

The EMB official said there should be no hysteria over Baguio having “a very polluted atmosphere” because air quality improved in 2011.

From 96 in 2010, air quality improved to 70 in 2011; then slightly rose to 72 in 2012; and then slightly went down again to 68.61 in 2013.

John Hay Management Corp. president Jaimie Agbayani meanwhile told a press conference Thursday the WHO report was disputable since the air in the former American military camp was as fresh and clear as ever.

“Camp John Hay, which has a lot of trees is the lungs of the city and this should be protected,” she said, adding they have intensified campaign to protect it from illegal loggers and have have embarked on a study with the Benguet State University to identify trees to care for these. 

Baguio Mayor Mauricio Domogan also aired apprehension on the WHO report saying this should spur city folks to initiate and implement environmental programs.

In the streets of Baguio, there were mixed reactions on the WHO report.

Romeo Gonzales, a long-time resident who is a native of Bucay, Abra, said, “Matagal ng polluted ang Baguio, dahil sobra na sasakyan at ’di lumalaki ang kalsada.”

On the other hand, Lorenzo, a physical therapist, who resides in Camp 7, Kennon Road, said, “I do not believe Baguio is more polluted than Manila. While it is true that the air in the CBD is not good, if you go out even just a little farther, you can already sense the difference in air quality.”