THE Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) wants efficient air quality monitoring systems in the country through advanced technology.

EMB air quality engineer Chadbert Aquino on Friday said they aim to introduce online permitting and monitoring systems for compliance of firms and industries.

"We are now exploring some type of partnership which may actually allow industries to also adapt or operate their own ambient air quality monitoring station," Aquino said in a webinar hosted by the Management Association of the Philippines.

He explained that this would allow private sectors to program their own monitoring stations to share the benefits or co-benefits with the public and the government.

During the webinar, top sources of air pollution were identified, particularly motorcycles, which account for the largest volume of emissions that worsen air quality.

Strategies to mitigate the situation include stricter emission standards and the promotion of electric vehicles, said Aquino.

Aquino cited the temporary improvement in air quality during the Covid-19 pandemic due to reduced vehicle activity. This indicates, he said, that more stringent regulations and cleaner technologies could have a positive, long-term effect on air quality.

Stationary sources of pollution, such as industrial plants and power stations, contribute around 35 percent of total emissions, Aquino pointed out.

The EMB official added that the presence of pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5), organic compounds, and sulfur oxides are among the major health concerns that could cause respiratory diseases and environmental damage.