Mayor Benjamin Magalong has ordered that the city government’s ongoing campaign against smoke-belching in the Summer Capital be intensified.
He issued, Sept. 20, memorandum no. 133, series of 2024, directing City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) head Rhenan Diwas to intensify monitoring and enforcement efforts against smoke-belching vehicles in the city.
“Regular inspections and random checkpoints should be conducted throughout the city to ensure compliance,” the memo directed.
It also tasked Diwas to coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources through the Environment Management Bureau and other relevant agencies to facilitate necessary vehicle inspections and ensure adherence to existing environmental regulations.
The Mayor’s memo cited recent reports regarding Baguio’s air quality which indicates that the Air Quality Index ranges from moderate to unhealthy due to factors such as vehicular emissions and seasonal changes that significantly impact public health.- Gaby B. Keith