BAGUIO CITY – The ambient air quality report yielded a “good” rating in specific areas in the city, with a 52% passing for vehicles after several roadside inspection, testing and monitoring sessions in different areas, last October.
This was reported during the regular Alay Sa Kalinisan, Inc. (ASKI) meeting last Friday; with Kabayanihan Barangay Hall, Burnham Park in front of the childrens’ park and Mines View Park as venues, and reading taken even with cloudy skies, light traffic, some construction going on, and with cooking done outdoors. The “good” rating means the air is suited for all, without danger for those with respiratory problems.
As for the roadside inspection, 38 testing and monitoring in five areas last October resulted to flagging of 707 vehicles where 667 were tested; with 344 (52%) passing and 323 (48%) not making the mark. Untested vehicles were due either to breather not connected, “sakal,” and being newly overhauled.
“Vehicles with a 52% passing mark in the RITMT is an improvement, though minimal,” Mayor Mauricio Domogan, who presided over the ASK meeting, said.
Even government vehicles; Baguio Water District (BWD), Department of Agriculture (DA), Local Government of La Trinidad and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) underwent testing; Engr. Sofronio Pascua of the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) reported.
Voluntary testing was done with certification issued, Pascua said, for all kinds of vehicles, both gas and diesel-fed.
By Julie Fianza
