Five years of progress: Manila’s clean air journey through the Asia Blue Skies Program

As climate change continues to worsen due to poor urban air quality, initiatives like the Asia Blue Skies Program are essential in promoting cleaner air and safeguarding public health.

For the past five years, the Asia Blue Skies Program has been working on science-based and stakeholder-driven air quality management systems in Manila City. The program has built a strong foundation on the air quality management capacity of the Manila City government through targeted training and workshops.

This culmination event served not only as a platform to celebrate achievements and recognize contributions, but also explored potential collaborations for sustaining and expanding air quality initiatives beyond Manila City.

Arch. Joy Dawis-Asuncion, Deputy City Administrator of the Manila City Government, delivered a welcoming remark that highlighted the efforts done under the 3M Asia Blue Skies Program. She expressed, “let us continue working together, knowing that every initiative, every innovation, and every community-driven effort brings us closer to a future where clean air is not just a goal but a guaranteed right for every Manileño.”

Arch. Joy Dawis-Asuncion, Deputy City Administrator of Manila, delivering her welcome remarks

Atty. Cecily Nerisse C. Ramirez-dela Cruz, Asia-Taiwan General Counsel-CBG, Philippines and GSC General Counsel of 3M Philippines, shared 3M’s message. “Our partnership with Clean Air Asia and the City of Manila is an example of how we bring our science for climate pillar to life, creating meaningful change for communities disproportionately affected by climate change. We are very, very proud of this multi-year partnership, where we have worked to address the negative impacts of climate change with science-based solutions.”

Atty. Cecily Nerisse C. Ramirez-dela Cruz representing 3M at the Closing Event of the Asia Blue Skies Program

Strengthening Air Quality Management in Manila City

In 2020, the city introduced its 2020-2030 Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP), which laid the foundations for the 3M Asia Blue Skies Program by providing a clear roadmap for improving air quality. As a comprehensive guide, the CAAP has shaped the city’s strategies and initiatives to reduce air pollution and protect public health. This document was made possible through the efforts of the Hinga Maynila Task Force, an inter-agency body committed to air quality improvement. The city doubled down on these efforts in 2022, when the Mayor’s Executive Order No. 35 officially reinforced the task force’s role in leading air quality initiatives.

These interventions incorporated dialogues, outreach efforts, and training to ensure a rounded approach to air quality management. In line with these initiatives, the CAAP turnover was commemorated between the Manila Department of Public Services, and 3M and Clean Air Asia.

Manila CAAP turnover between the Manila Department of Public Services (Mr. James Christian Riveza - Public Services Officer III, Ms. Annabelle Clemencia Rebong – Chief of Operations, and Mr. Jonathan Garzo – Officer-in-Charge), and 3M (Atty. Cecily Nerisse C. Ramirez-dela Cruz –  Asia-Taiwan General Counsel-CBG, Philippines and GSC General Counsel and Engr. John Zenon Vallinan – Application Engineer) and Clean Air Asia (Ms. Dang Espita-Casanova – Associate Program Director and Ms. Precious Benjamin – Sustainable Cities Lead)

With the help of the Asia Blue Skies Program, Manila City has tackled major air quality challenges by reducing pollution from key sources and promoting cleaner practices. The city improved vehicle emissions by setting up a better maintenance system for its fleet, introduced electric transport options, and enhanced hospital practices to ensure cleaner indoor air. Communities were also involved through better waste management efforts, while the Hinga Maynila Task Force helped raise awareness about air quality.

In its final year (2024-2025), the program expanded its impact by sharing clean air solutions to Parañaque City, launching a communication plan to educate the public, encouraging more cities to adopt similar strategies for lasting change. In its final year (2024-2025), the program expanded its impact by sharing clean air solutions to Parañaque City, launching a communication plan to educate the public, encouraging more cities to adopt similar strategies for lasting change. 

Ms. Precious Benjamin, Sustainable Cities Lead of Clean Air Asia, presenting the program’s key achievements and milestones

From the ground: Voices of change

A panel discussion featuring members from the Department of Public Services (DPS), Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW), and Barangay 128, Tondo, Manila highlighted the key learnings in city and community-level CAAP implementation.

Panel discussion on the key learnings and experiences in implementing clean air and climate actions at both city and community levels (Ms. Dana Babela – Senior Researcher, Clean Air Asia; Mr. James Christian Riveza – Public Services Officer III, Department of Public Services (DPS); Mr.  Christian John Evangelista – Chief of the Research and Planning Division, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO); Engineer Geronimo Cidro – Chief of the Heavy Equipment and Shop Division, Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW); and Kagawad Wendy Cañeda of Barangay 128, Tondo, Manila)

Expanding the Government’s Capacity to Tackle Air Pollution

Mr. James Christian Riveza, from DPS, acknowledged the program’s efforts to expand the government’s capacity to tackle air pollution. “Dahil sa project na ito, nagkaroon kami ng opportunity, proper tools, proper knowledge, and proper avenue para madevelop namin yung proper air quality management.” (Because of this project, we had the opportunity, along with the proper tools, proper knowledge, and proper avenue to develop proper air quality management.)

He added that this project helped in installing various air quality sensors, which consequently helped in developing the city’s Clean Air Action Plan (CAAP), which contains strategic approaches on efficient ways and projects to improve the city’s air quality management. However, the most important aspect of this project, according to Mr. Riveza, is the creation of the Hinga Maynila Task Force, “Dahil sa Hinga Maynila Task Force, madami tayong mga naging training, seminars, [at] nagkaroon na tayo ng air quality communication plan na kung saan nakapaloob doon kung ano ang do’s and dont’s natin, at kung ano ang mga activities na pwede nating i-employ.” (Because of the Hinga Maynila Task Force, we have had numerous training and seminars, and we now have an air quality communication plan that outlines our do’s and don’ts, as well as the activities we can implement.)

Strengthening Manila’s Air Quality Monitoring systems through real-time data

The program also contributed to strengthening Manila City’s air quality management capacity through the city’s disaster mitigation and adaptation. Mr. Christian John Evangelista, from DRRMO, revealed this contribution by means of interconnected additional air quality sensors reflecting real-time data. This addition is enhanced through the Manila Geographic Information System (GIS), which collects and displays air quality data accessible to the public.

“Ang target sana natin tayo ang may pinakamarami [na air quality sensors]. So, hindi lang naman po yung pinakamarami but rather yung interconnectivity po ng bawat isa. Yun po ang gusto nating gawin through the use of mapping, programming, and through the creation of our Manila GIS center.” (Our goal is to have the highest number of air quality sensors. However, it’s not just about having the most, but rather ensuring their interconnectivity. That’s what we aim to achieve through mapping, programming, and the creation of our Manila GIS center.)

Steering Fleet Management Toward Lower Emissions

As for the DEPW, Engr. Geronimo Cidro had the honor to share their experiences under the program, especially in improving the department’s fleet management and maintenance system. He shared, “Noong dumating ang fleet management system, dun ko nakita ang mga butas sa system namin. Dahil dito sa monitoring, lahat recorded na. […] Ngayon, ang mga service vehicles namin para sa mga mekaniko, bibihira na umalis. Sa paraang ito, nakakabawas na tayo ng sinusunog na gasolina na makaka-contribute sa polusyon.” (When the fleet management system was introduced, that’s when I saw the gaps in our system. With this monitoring, everything is now recorded. […] Now, our service vehicles for mechanics rarely have to leave. This way, we reduce fuel consumption, which helps minimize pollution.)

To strengthen and expand fleet management efforts, Engr. Cidro hopes that these activities become the standard operating procedures for drivers under the department. He also aspires for this effort and management to continue across the engineering department.

Empowering community-led solutions in waste management

Lastly, the program helped address community-level air quality issues through Barangay 128’s air pollution and solid waste management concerns. Kagawad Wendy Cañeda, from Brgy. 128, Tondo, shared that as a result of the waste analysis conducted under the program, they were able to establish a Materials Recovery Facility. This facility serves as a one-stop shop with areas for sorting waste, composting, waste management machines, and a small garden. The barangay also built a store within the area displaying the community’s upcycled products. Kagawad Cañeda left this message to emphasize the importance of waste management in their community, “Basura man sa paningin ng iba, pera naman sa kanila.” (Garbage in the eyes of some, money to others.)

To end the discussion, Kagawad Cañeda assured that they will leave a lasting legacy where strong enforcement on air quality is implemented not only in their barangay, but in Manila and the Philippines as a whole.

The future of clean air in Manila City

As the Asia Blue Skies Program concludes, the broader mission of advancing cleaner air and healthier communities carries on. The closing event marked a celebration of achievements and opens a chance to look for further clean air and climate change improvement. Mr. Jonathan Garzo, the Department of Public Service’s Officer-in-Charge shared the city’s next steps by focusing on sustaining and scaling up clean air and climate solutions through strategic actions, such as institutionalizing clean air action, expanding monitoring networks, strengthening stakeholder collaboration, engaging the private sector and promoting community participation.“ Achieving clean air is not just a simple goal, it is a shared responsibility. It will be a difficult journey but with steadfast commitment, strong partnerships, and collective action, I believe that we can reach that goal,” Mr. Garzo reinforced.

Mr. Jonathan Garzo sharing Manila City’s way forward on implementing and sustaining clean air and climate solutions

The UP Manila’s Department of Environmental and Occupational Health (DEOH), Kabuhayan Daan sa Kaunlaran Inc. of the Philippines, and Communities Organized for Resource Allocation (CORA) expressed their full support for the Asia Blue Skies Program and its efforts to promote cleaner air and a healthier environment for all. These sentiments were echoed by Ms. Jennilyn Vicente, Chief of the Ambient Monitoring and Technical Services Section of the DENR-EMB NCR, who delivered their message of support on behalf of Regional Director Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe. These organizations and institutions show a shared recognition of the importance of sustainable air quality management in enhancing public health and the well-being of communities. As dedicated partners in this initiative, they reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating on projects that drive meaningful change, empower local communities, and contribute to a future where everyone can enjoy cleaner, safer air. 

In the closing ceremony, Ms. Dang Espita-Casanova, Clean Air Asia’s Associate Program Director, recognized the remarkable progress made through the Asia Blue Skies Program that created a lasting and impactful change in changing or improving air quality. Clean Air Asia’s vision of an Asia without pollution has been strengthened by the growing commitment of city leaders, local government units, and partners in the fight for clean air. The success of the program goes beyond technical capacity—it is rooted in the people behind the initiatives, whose dedication has driven real, lasting change. To end her remarks, “The success story can be replicated and scaled to the many cities in the Philippines and across the region. This is not the end, and we are really looking forward to working continuously with the Manila City government onwards to the new chapters for clean air in the city.”

Ms. Dang Espita-Casanova, Associate Program Director of Clean Air Asia, delivering the closing remarks of the program

By bringing together government leaders, organizations, and the public community, the event explored ways that can maintain the program’s initiative. While the program has reached its culmination, the push for cleaner air and robust air quality monitoring networks is far from over. Manila’s progress proves that clean air is possible. But making it last will take shared commitment, bold leadership, and the active participation of communities.