- Rationale
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Deteriorating air quality is impairing the health and welfare of a large portion of the population, in particular that of the 20 million residents in Metro Manila and its surrounding air shed. The concentration of several dangerous pollutants has reached critical levels that are well above those that commonly affect human health. The primary causes of air pollution---vehicles and industrial processes--continue to expand rapidly. If not addressed, the detrimental effects of air pollution will significantly erode the gains of economic and social development.
- Objectives and Scope
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The objective of the Program is to promote policy reforms to improve air quality through the abatement of main mobile and stationary sources of air pollution. The policy reforms within an agreed three-year AQAP are designed to address key factors contributing to deteriorating air quality. The scope of the Program is designed to (i) mitigate air pollution from mobile sources; (ii) mitigate air pollution from stationary sources; (iii) improve fuel quality; (iv) reduce emissions from vehicular use; (v) reduce traffic congestion and improve traffic flow; (vi) strengthen ambient air quality monitoring, evaluation, and reporting; (vii) intensify public awareness of issues relating to air quality; (viii) monitor coordination and implementation of the AQAP; and (ix) strengthen capacity of the institutions involved.
- Policy Dialogue
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The policy matrix is designed to tackle nine key issues:
(i) mitigation of air pollution from mobile sources; (ii) mitigation of air pollution from stationary sources; (iii) improvement of fuel quality; (iv) reduction of emissions from vehicle use; (v) reduction of traffic congestion and improved traffic flow; (vi) strengthened ambient air quality monitoring, evaluation, and reporting; (vii) intensified public awareness; (viii) program coordination and monitoring; and (ix) strengthened capacity of existing institutions.
- Environment Category:
C
- Environment Impact and Mitigation
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No significant adverse environmental impacts were identified.
- Social Aspects and Remedies
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The Program is not expected to have adverse social or gender impacts. While poor air quality affects all residents of the air shed, lower income groups are expected to benefit the most as they are less well able to avoid the impact of degraded air quality.
- Benefits and Beneficiaries
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The overall impact of reduced air pollution will be reflected in improved health and welfare of the 20 million residents of Metro Manila and its neighboring provinces. The low-income groups who have a greater exposure to air pollution will benefit more significantly. The secondary benefits include the reduced costs on health due to improvement in air quality, more efficient traffic flow on densely trafficked corridors, and a better maintained and safer vehicle fleet because of the nationwide Motor Vehicle Inspection System to be installed under the AQAP.
- Public Consultation
- Arranged by Bank
- Date for Consultation : 1997/1998
- Groups Consulted : Government and nongovernment organizations (NGOs), local government units, civil society groups, and the private sector
- Beneficiary Participation in Formulation
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The Program is being prepared through a participatory approach combining government and NGOs, local government units, and the private sector.
- Beneficiary Participation in Implementation
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The institutional capacity of all agencies involved in the implementation of the policy matrix will be strengthened.
Training programs on traffic planning and management and air quality management will be carried out.
- Consulting Services
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None
- Procurement
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The proceeds of the loan will be used to finance the foreign exchange costs of items produced and procured in member countries of the Bank excluding items on a negative list, and imports financed by other bilateral and multilateral funding agencies.
- Contacts
- Bank
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Charles M. Melhuish
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Lead Transport Sector Specialist
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RSID
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Tel. No.:
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E-mail:
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- Executing Agency
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources
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Contact Person
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Office of the Secretary
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Tel. No.
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(632) 928-6091
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Fax. No.
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(632) 924-2540
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E-mail
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Contact Person
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Tel. No.
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Fax. No.
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E-mail
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- Remarks
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The Government accords high priority to the Program.
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Projects 
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