Tag: philippines

EANET Online Workshop on the Utilization of Low-Cost Sensors for Air Quality Monitoring: Recommendations and Strategies

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

15 November 2024 – Niigata, Japan

The EANET Online Workshop on the Utilization of Low-Cost Sensors for Air Quality Monitoring: Recommendations and Strategies took place on 6 November 2024. Organized by the Network Center for the EANET, it gathered 152 participants, from the EANET Participating Countries and beyond, to discuss the utilization of Low-Cost Sensors (LCS) in Asia.

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Opening Remarks

Dr. Fan Meng, Deputy Director General, the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research, ACAP (the Network Center for the EANET), delivered Opening Remarks. He highlighted the significance of the hybrid method which consists of using both conventional air quality sensors and LCS in addressing monitoring resource constraints. However, he emphasized that accuracy and reliability issues persist, requiring calibration, validation, and quality control to integrate LCS data effectively. He underlinied the workshop’s objectives to share LCS application insights, technical knowledge, data visualization, and discuss sustainable network opportunities within the EANET region.

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Air quality monitoring by using a LCS network in the Asian region

Dr. Tomoki Nakayama, from Nagasaki University, shared a presentation on air pollution monitoring using Low-Cost Sensors, focusing on projects in India, and in the ASEAN and African regions. In collaboration with Nagoya University and others, his team measures pollutants such as PM2.5 and CO. These sensors, co-developed with Panasonic Corp., detect particles via light scattering and are effective even under diverse environmental conditions.

Dr. Justin Sentian, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, presented the deployment of LCS air quality sensors in schools, an initiative funded by UNICEF, in partnership with Malaysia’s Environmental Protection Department. These sensors, part of the Air Quality Monitoring in Schools (AQUAMS) program, aim to monitor air quality and promote environmental awareness among students. In the first phase, sensors were installed in five schools, and data on pollutants and weather conditions have been gathered.

Dr. Nguyen Viet Hoai, Vietnam National University presented the “Building Equality Monitoring Capacity in Southeast Asia” project which aims to enhance air quality monitoring in Thailand, Laos, and Viet Nam. Key goals include deploying low-cost PM2.5 sensors, raising public awareness, providing real-time data, and identifying pollution hotspots. Nearly 100 sensors have been installed across the region, supporting data analysis and empowering local authorities and communities.

Dr. Maria Obiminda Cambaliza, Ateneo de Manila University, presented IGAC-MANGO, a research initiative addressing air pollution in Southeast Asia. The project uses Low-Cost Sensors to measure PM2.5 exposure and its health impacts, particularly in high-risk groups. She also highlighted the Health Investigation and Air Sensing for Asian Pollution (Hi-ASAP) project, which started in 2019, aiming to gather data on pollution levels and health effects.

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Report on the EANET project “Methodology Study for Development of LCS Hybrid Air Quality Monitoring Network (HAQMN)”

Dr. Akie Yuba, a Senior Researcher from ACAP, provided a report on LCS technical studies in Viet Nam and Myanmar, which were carried out as part of EANET Project Activities. In Hoa Binh, Viet Nam, five LCS units were installed, with a specific focus on PM2.5 and other parameters. In Yangon, Myanmar, LCS units, specifically GBiot and Haz Scanner, were utilized for monitoring PM2.5, O3, NO2, and meteorological data during both monsoon and non-monsoon seasons. A good correlation was observed in the data, though different values were displayed in the slopes, emphasizing the need for blackout preparedness to prevent electricity voltage fluctuations. Dr. Yuba also explained the draft contents of the guidelines for establishing HAQMN and the manual for low-cost sensor system operation.

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Discussions on scopes and challenges for establishing a sustainable LCS monitoring network in East Asia

The panel discussion covered the various challenges and approaches to air quality management across different countries, highlighting the role of LCS in both developed and developing countries. Key questions explored during the discussion included: what are the key local air quality issues in your country? How will citizens and communities be kept informed about air quality data? Is there adequate infrastructure, such as internet and power supply, to support an LCS network?, and How do governments and local authorities intend to use data from this network for policymaking? Additionally, What funding and support will be required to ensure the sustainability of the LCS network?

The panel discussion highlighted several common challenges in air quality management. These included infrastructure and connectivity issues, particularly in developing countries where limited access to power and the internet can undermine the reliability of LCS networks. Funding and sustainability were also major concerns, as many countries depend on international financial support and technical assistance for LCS implementation. Additionally, the importance of public awareness and communication was emphasized, with some countries planning to automate alerts about high pollution levels through platforms like social media. Lastly, the panel underscored the need for regular calibration and maintenance of LCS networks to ensure data accuracy, especially in resource-constrained settings.

The panel concluded that while LCS offers affordable and scalable options for air quality monitoring, its effectiveness depends on sustained funding, accurate data calibration, and enhanced public awareness. Building regional and international collaborations remains essential for addressing air pollution in the Southeast and East Asian regions.

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Find out more on EANET Project Fund and EANET Projects.

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Useful Resources:

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Photo credits: rice field at daytime by Hikarinoshita Hikari (2019).

Building Capacity for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Monitoring: EANET Successfully Concludes the 2024 Annual Meeting and Training

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

21 November 2024 – Niigata, Japan

In October 2024, ACAP, serving as the Network Center (NC) for the EANET successfully concluded both the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Project’s Annual Meeting and Training at the Center for Environmental Science in Saitama (CESS), Japan. The NC for the EANET is implementing the  Project Capacity Building in Promoting VOCs in the EANET, approved by the Twenty-fifth Intergovernmental Meeting (IG25) in 2023, with the financial support of the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ).

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EANET VOC Annual Meeting Reviews Progress and Discusses Plans for 2025

The VOCs Annual Meeting took place at the Center for Environmental Science in Saitama (CESS),  in Saitama, Japan, on October 22nd and 23rd 2024 and gathered the VOCs Advisory Group members as well as members from the Participating Countries including Cambodia, China, Mongolia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam, responsible for overseeing this project. The goal of the meeting was to review the progress to date and develop a detailed plan for 2025 focusing mainly on monitoring methods, sites, and timing.

The Annual Meeting was conducted both in-person at CESS and online. Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Mitsuo Uematsu, President of CESS, and Dr. Toshimasa Ohara, Director General of the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), moderated by Dr. Meihua Zhu, Chief Senior Researcher of the Planning and Training Department of ACAP. Each Participating Country shared their project progress in 2024 and their monitoring and related capacity building plan. During the meeting, Dr. Soo Ran Won, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, gave a special talk entitled: a Research Introduction on the “First measurement report for Volatile Organic Compounds’ characteristics during winter in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia”. During the Annual Meeting, participants reviewed the progress of the project’s activities in 2024 and discussed the activity plan for 2025.

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Participants at the Annual VOCs Meeting and during the field visit to GL Sciences

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On the second day, on October 23rd, a site survey of an VOCs’ instrument manufacturer was conducted at GL Sciences, Saitama prefecture, Japan. The site survey included an introduction to GL Sciences and to their support system, air analysis instruments, and related products. It also consisted of a laboratory tour and presentation of various equipments’ usage such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with canister concentrator, GC-MS with thermal desorption, sampling and related tools, and air sampler for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).

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Highlights of the Training – VOCs Monitoring and Measurement

The Training Program for VOCs Monitoring and Measurement was held at the Center for Environmental Science in Saitama (CESS), Japan, from October 21st to 25th 2024. To conduct the training in a cost- and time-efficient manner, online lectures were provided to the trainees prior to the hands-on training in Japan. The proposed curriculum for online training consisted of three parts: a background introduction to VOCs, an introduction to VOCs’ monitoring methodologies, and an introduction to case studies on VOCs’ monitoring. Five participants from Cambodia, Mongolia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam, in charge of VOCs monitoring and lab work and part of EANET VOCs project, participated to the training. The VOCs Advisory Group members, CESS, and the NC actively provided support.

On the first two days, Mr. Kouki Sasaka, Group Reader, Atmospheric Environment Group, CESS, and Dr. Yujiro Ichikawa, Researcher, Atmospheric Environment Group, CESS, provided lectures on canister and flow controller including on canister cleaning, flow controller cleaning and flow adjustment, canister sampling, dilutor, preparation of standard gas, pre-concentrator and GC/MS. From October 24 to the afternoon of the 25th, a representative from Nishikawa Keisoku Co., Ltd. presented a lecture on standard and sample measurement (Preconcentrator-GC/MS), data analysis, and the daily maintenance of GC/MS. In the afternoon of October 25, a lecture on air sampling pumps, sorbent tubes (both active and passive), and Low-Cost Sensors was shared by a representative of Sibata Scientific Technology Ltd.  During the closing session, Dr. Akio Imai, Research Director at the CESS presented the completion certificate to the trainees on behalf of the program organizers.

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VOCs trainees from Cambodia, Mongolia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam at the Center for Environmental Science in Saitama, and with their completion certificates

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The successful conclusion of the VOCs Project’s Annual Meeting and Training in 2024 strengthens EANET countries’ capacity to monitor and manage VOC emissions. Through collaboration, hands-on training, and advanced monitoring technologies, the initiative sets a solid foundation for improving air quality monitoring in the region.

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Find out more about the EANET Projects.

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Useful Resources

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Photo credits: all rights reserved to EANET.

Kick-off Meeting – Stocktaking and Methodological Assessment of Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment of Air Pollution in Southeast Asia

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

Bangkok, 18 April 2024

The Secretariat for the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET) and the Asian Institute of Technology – Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (AIT RRC.AP), organized the kick-off meeting of the project “Stocktaking and Methodological Assessment of Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment of Air Pollution in Southeast Asia” on 26 March 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. The objective of the meeting was to better understand the emissions inventories and source apportionment situation in the countries of Southeast Asia and discuss with project partners and experts the framework for metadata analysis and project ideas on emission inventories and source apportionment studies in the region.

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Opening Session

Representatives from the National Air Emission Inventory and Research Center (NAIR) in Korea, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Philippines, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), the Centre Interprofessionnel Technique d’Etudes de la Pollution Atmosphérique (CITEPA), the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Clean Air Asia (CAA), the Bandung Institute of Technology in Indonesia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, the Asia Center For Air Pollution Research (ACAP), the Regional Resource Center For Asia and the Pacific (RRC.AP), the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the EANET Secretariat attended the meeting with a total of 28 participants.

Dr. Mushtaq Memon from UNEP opened the meeting, and, in his remarks, he stressed the importance of regional mechanisms like EANET for addressing air pollution. He highlighted the need for emission inventories, supportive policies, air quality standards, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness.

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Expert Insights from the EANET Participating Countries and Non-governmental Organizations

Experts from the EANET region and Europe presented use cases on emission inventories and source apportionment in different settings.

Dr. Ekbordin Winijkul from AIT discussed Thailand’s emission inventory experience, emphasizing an integrated approach to air quality management, and outlining the plans for the Thailand National Emission Inventory project. Dr. Jongmin Joo from NAIR introduced the Clean Air Policy Support System (CAPSS) and the Republic of Korea’s National Emissions and Air Quality Assessment System (NEAS), detailing their methodologies and their integration into policymaking and governmental acknowledgment. Mr. Jundy del Socorro from EMB, Philippines, discussed emission inventory development, highlighting methodologies and regional contributions to air pollutants, as well as introducing the Philippines’ Integrated Information System (IIS) for data coordination.

Dr. Zbigniew Klimont from IIASA presented the Greenhouse Gas Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS) model, emphasizing its use in assessing emission control strategies’ cost-effectiveness and showcasing case studies in Asia. Dr. Sophie Moukhtar from CITEPA discussed emissions inventories under the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP), emphasizing their importance and reporting obligations. Dr. Chris Malley from SEI presented the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning Integrated Benefits Calculator (LEAP-IBC) for integrated air pollution and climate change mitigation assessment, while Mr. Enrique Mikhael Cosep from CAA discussed emission inventories and source apportionment challenges in Asia.

Dr. Jun-ichi Kurokawa from ACAP presented the EANET’s activities related to emission inventories and source apportionment, highlighting ongoing projects.

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Project Discussion

The project kick-off meeting continued with discussions among participants on how to develop a relevant framework for metadata analysis of the studies in Southeast Asia.

Dr. Ram Lal Verma from AIT RRC.AP provided an initial review of existing emission inventories in Southeast Asian countries, highlighting available research studies and developed inventories in several countries in the region. Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Oanh from AIT discussed the meta-analysis of emission inventory and source apportionment databases in Southeast Asia, proposing a framework and sharing database templates.

Participants expressed insights on follow-up activities and projects of EANET, emphasizing the need to avoid duplication of work and standardize frameworks for emission inventories and source apportionment methodologies. It was agreed that government involvement is crucial for data collection and quality assurance when developing emission inventories. Participants stressed the necessity of regional mechanisms to harmonize emission inventories’ methodologies and processes.

Source apportionment studies were noted as important but lacking in ASEAN countries, requiring capacity building and resources. Volatile Organic Compound speciation and Greenhouse gas emissions’ emission inventories processes were suggested for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Finally, lessons from the European Union’s common frameworks for emission inventories were discussed as an important model to consider for the ASEAN region.

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The next meeting of the project will be held on 29 May in Bangkok, Thailand, back to back with the EANET Regional Awareness Workshop.

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The project Stocktaking and Methodological Assessment of Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment of Air Pollution in Southeast Asia is being conducted with the support of the EANET Project Fund.

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View the meeting’s photos.

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Photo credits: all rights reserved to EANET.

EANET Regional Awareness Workshop in 2023: A focus on Volatile Organic Compounds and Low-Cost Sensors

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

13 June 2023 – Bangkok, Thailand

The EANET Regional Awareness Workshop in 2023 focused on the growing concerns surrounding Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and the use of Low-Cost Sensors (LCS) for air quality monitoring in Northeast and Southeast Asia. Held on 30 May 2023 at the United Nations Convention Center and online, it aimed to foster collaboration on air quality management, address global challenges related to VOC pollution, and discuss the potential of LCS technology. The Workshop was held as part of the Climate and Clean Air Conference: Air Quality Action Week, organized by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), and in cooperation with the Asian Institute of Technology, Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (RRC.AP). 129 participants from 15 countries joined the Workshop.

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Enhancing Air Quality Monitoring and Collaboration in East and Southeast Asia

Ms. Marlene Nilsson, Deputy Regional Director of UNEP Asia Pacific office, opened the EANET Awareness Workshop by delivering remarks highlighting the importance of alliances such as EANET to build regional solutions through data sharing and collaboration.

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Volatile Organic Compounds Pollution Challenges and Air Quality Regulations in Asia

The first Session focused on the importance and challenges of VOC measurement in East and Southeast Asia. Presenters and panelists included Prof. Meng Fan, DDG for EANET, Asia Center for Air Pollution (ACAP), Dr. Meihua Zhu, Senior Researcher, Asia Center for Air Pollution (ACAP), Prof. Hong Li, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES), China, Dr. Kessinee Unapumnak, Pollution Control Department (PCD), Thailand and Mr. Jundy T. Del Socorro, Environment Management Bureau (EMB), The Philippines.

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View the recording of Dr. Kessinee Unapumnak’s presentation on Thailand’s Air Quality Management Framework

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VOCs have emerged as a significant pollutant in Asia, posing challenges due to rising levels and diverse emission sources and chemical compositions. While Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand have ambient VOC standards, other countries do not have such standards or guidelines. This is why the project Promoting VOCs related Capacity Building in the EANET, supported by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ) has been developed and launched in 2023, through the EANET Project Fund. Planned to last three years, the project is the fruit of cooperation between the MOEJ, the Network Center for the EANET, and different government and research institutes from China, Japan, Mongolia, and the Philippines, also including experts from the Republic of Korea and Thailand.

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Low-Cost Sensor Technology for Air Quality Monitoring: Integration Efforts and Need for Reliability

The second Session focused on Low-Cost Sensors’ (LCS) Role in Air Quality Management in East and Southeast Asia. Presenters and panelists included Dr. Akie Yuba, Researcher, Asia Center for Air Pollution (ACAP), Prof. Kim Oanh, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Dr. Le Ngoc Cau, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change (IMHEN), Viet Nam, Ms. Dang Espita-Casanova, Clean Air Asia, and Ms. Karine Léger, Airparif, France.

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View the recording of Ms. Dang Espita-Casanova’s presentation on Hybrid air quality monitoring: Achieving air quality goals in Philippine Cities

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Discussions highlighted the potential and limitations of Low-cost sensor (LCS) technology. LCS is a portable and relatively cheaper monitoring system used for air quality monitoring, but challenges remain regarding data accuracy, calibration, and maintenance. LCS data can be valuable for non-regulatory monitoring applications and are powerful awareness-raising tools for citizen science. Efforts are being made to integrate LCS with reference-level sensors through projects like the EANET’s Hybrid Air Quality Monitoring Network (HAQMN) in Asia, in Viet Nam specifically, and guidelines are being developed to replicate this integration in other countries. LCS deployments have been conducted in the Philippines to fill coverage gaps, requiring local calibration and integration with conventional sensors. LCS are seen as complementary to traditional sensors, providing better coverage and valuable data for policymakers. Standardization, calibration, and integration need further attention to ensure the reliability of LCS for various purposes.

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Key Recommendations

The workshop panelists discussed several key recommendations. Firstly, they suggested conducting research to establish VOC Air Quality Guideline Values and Standards by monitoring, reporting, and analyzing emission sources. Secondly, they emphasized the need to strengthen research on VOCs’ impact on air quality and human health. Additionally, they proposed developing guidelines, standards, and policies for the use of LCS (low-cost sensors) and promoting research on calibration, correction factors, and quality assurance to ensure reliable LCS data. They also recommended creating guidelines for integrating LCS with existing monitoring networks to ensure data reliability. Lastly, they highlighted the importance of establishing regional and international platforms for sharing knowledge and best practices related to LCS.

Dr. Shiro Hatakeyama, DG, Asia Center for Air Pollution (ACAP) delivered the Closing Remarks and emphasized the importance of VOC monitoring, VOCs being the precursors of ozone and particulate matter. He highlighted the importance to expand the EANET’s monitoring network to include VOCs and mentioned LCS could be considered for this expansion if their reliability can be strengthened.

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Useful Resources
  • Read a more detailed summary of the Workshop’s content in the EANET Awareness Workshop in 2023 Event Report.
  • View all Workshop’s recordings on the Secretariat for the EANET’s YouTube channel and the Workshop’s photos on Flickr.
  • Download the speakers’ presentations:

Two Decades of EANET: From Data to Policy by Prof. Meng Fan, ACAP

Understanding VOCs Impact in East Asia: Building Tools and Capacity for Better Air Quality Management by Dr. Meihua Zhu, ACAP

Management and Control of Anthropogenic VOCs in China by Prof. Hong Li, CRAES, China

Thailand’s Air Quality Management Framework by Dr. Kessinee Unapumnak, PCD, Thailand.

Air Quality Management in the Philippines, Mr. Jundy Del Socorro, EMB, the Philippines.

Introduction to Low-Cost Sensors (LCS) by Dr. Akie Yuba, ACAP

Air Quality Management in Viet Nam by Dr. Le Ngoc Cau, MONRE, Viet Nam

Hybrid air quality monitoring: Achieving air quality goals in Philippine Cities by Ms. Dang Espita-Casanova, Clean Air Asia.

Air Pollution Monitoring and LCS in France by Ms. Karine Léger, Airparif, France.

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Photo credits: all rights reserved to EANET.

National Stakeholders’ Awareness Workshop in the Philippines on EANET in 2023

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

26 May 2023 – Manilla, Philippines

The National Stakeholder Awareness Workshop in the Philippines on EANET: Promoting acid deposition and air quality management in East Asia was held in Manila, on 26 May 2023, in cooperation with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources  (DENR), Philippines, and the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM), University of the Philippines. It aimed at showcasing the achievements and activities of the EANET over the last 20 years, including activities involving the Philippines and encouraging cooperation between EANET and Philippine stakeholders in the implementation of the expanded scope and the EANET Project Fund activities. The Workshop was held at the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, College of Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman, and gathered around 70 participants.

The stakeholder Workshop was organized back-to-back with the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Project Advisory Group Meeting in Manilla, as part of the EANET VOC Project in 2023.

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Promoting Acid Deposition and Air Quality Management for over 20 Years

Bert Fabian, Coordinator of the Secretariat for the EANET welcomed the participants and thanked the EMB-DENR and UP-IESM for their cooperation and support. He explained EANET’s expansion of scope to cover more projects and activities on air pollution. He encouraged participants and stakeholders to do more research and activities on acid deposition and air pollution and promote partnerships and collaboration.

Presentations were delivered by Prof. Meng Fan, from the Asia Center for Air Pollution (ACAP) and Network Center for the EANET, Mr. Sammy Aytona from the Environment Management Bureau Philippines (EMB), Mr. Chadbert Aquino, from EMB, and Ms. Everlyn Gayle Tamayo from Clean Air Asia.

Prof. Fan Meng presented EANET’s findings over 20 years, noting improvements in Sulfur dioxide-related air pollution in Northeast Asia but stressing the need to address particulate matter in Southeast Asia. Persistent high levels of nitrogen oxides and ozone pollution were also discussed, highlighting the importance of expanding monitoring for effective air quality monitoring and assessment. EANET is supporting such efforts as part of its individual training program primarily for government officials in the EANET countries and showcasing the network’s commitment to capacity building.

Mr. Aytona presented acid deposition monitoring activities in the Philippines, including plans to enhance monitoring and raise awareness about EANET activities. Mr. Aquino emphasized the challenges and opportunities in Philippine air quality management, emphasizing comprehensive strategies and stakeholder collaboration.

Ms. Tamayo highlighted the significance of monitoring, emissions inventory, modeling, and health impact assessment, and introduced decision-making resources. Collaboration among government, industries, academia, and civil society was emphasized for effective air quality management.

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National Stakeholders’ Awareness Workshop in the Philippines on EANET in 2023 in-person participants.

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Panel Discussion: Interventions from EANET Experts on Air Quality Monitoring Challenges and Implications for the Philippines

Professor Hong Li (CRAES, China) emphasized setting clear goals, developing a long-term plan, and establishing strong coordination and robust emissions inventory at the local level. She suggested implementing a 10-point policy framework and continuously updating standards and intervention measures.

Dr. Toshimasa Ohara (CESS, Japan) showcased Japan’s success in mitigating air pollution while maintaining economic growth. He highlighted the reduction of bio emissions but emphasized the challenge of addressing chemical ozone. He expressed hope for EANET’s role in addressing air quality problems in the Philippines.

Dr. Kessinee Unapumnak (PCD, Thailand) presented Thailand’s Air Quality Management Framework and shared activities such as area-based management, sectoral approach, public relations management, and increasing public awareness. She emphasized the importance of inter-ministerial cooperation and effective policy implementation.

Professor Gangwoong Lee (HUFS, Republic of Korea) emphasized the potential contribution of citizens in reducing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). He praised the Philippines’ efforts in monitoring PM2.5 and VOCs and encouraged the country to persist in its air quality improvement endeavors.

The EANET workshop concluded with experts emphasizing the importance of clear goals, long-term planning, and strong coordination in air quality management. They highlighted the need for continuous updates of regulations, citizen involvement, and evidence-based policies. Dr. Shiro Hatakeyma, Director General of ACAP, delivered the closing remarks.

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Interested in participating in an EANET Project? Find out more on the EANET Project Fund.

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Useful resources:

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Photo credits: featured image by Brutalist Pilipinas, 2021, free of rights; all other photos: all rights reserved to EANET.

EANET Experts discuss monitoring and management issues for VOC: Insights from the Manila Advisory Group Meeting

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

13 July 2023 – Bangkok, Thailand

The EANET Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Project Advisory Group Meeting was held in Manila from 24-26 May 2023 including laboratory and VOC monitoring site surveys, resulting in finalizing activities in the Philippines and Mongolia and other recommendations for the VOC project’s progress.

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The VOC Project Advisory Group Meeting

The Network Center for the EANET, organized the EANET VOC Advisory Group Meeting in Manila, Philippines, as part of the EANET « Project for the feasibility for promotion of VOCs related capacity building in EANET » Project Activity in 2023.

The first meeting for the project took place in February 2023. As part of this project, it was decided to create an Advisory Group, composed of experts from Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, Thailand, and from the Network Center, to give guidance on feasible measurement methods, data analysis, identification of the target species to measure VOCs, and feasible reduction measures. During the meeting, the Advisory Group members considered methods like DOAS (Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy), canister sampling, sorbent tubes, and passive samplers. They emphasized the importance of source identification and reducing toxic VOCs, and discussed the use of low-cost sensors.

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Participants to the EANET VOC Advisory Group Meeting with the representatives of the Government of the Philippines (EMB-DENR)

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Lab Survey, VOC Monitoring Site Visit, and Stakeholder Workshop

A laboratory survey was conducted at the Environmental Research and Laboratory Services Division (ERLSD), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), and the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM), College of Science, University of the Philippines. On the following day, the mission continued with a VOC monitoring site survey at the Region III Air Quality Management Section (AQMS) in Pampanga. This survey aimed to assess the monitoring of volatile organic compounds in that specific area. The next morning, a summary discussion and bilateral meeting took place between the Philippine representatives, the Network Center, and Secretariat for the EANET. This meeting provided an opportunity to share their findings, insights, and recommendations. Finally, on the afternoon of 26 May, the National Stakeholder Awareness Workshop: Promoting acid deposition and air quality management in East Asia was held to address air quality management challenges and explore potential solutions tailored to the specific context of the Philippines.

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Site visit in Pampanga, Region III

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VOC Advisory Group Recommendations and Highlights

The VOC project Advisory group meeting involved thirty-six participants and facilitated in-depth information exchanges and discussions among project stakeholders and advisory group members. Recommendations for the project plan were compiled based on the insights gained from the laboratory and monitoring assessments during the mission.

The Advisory Group emphasized that the final goal of the project is to reduce Ozone and PM2.5 pollution. For this purpose, understanding the status of VOCs and exploring the best solutions for their reduction is key. The Advisory Group discussed VOCs measurement methodologies and a methodology for estimating Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA) contribution and source apportionment of VOCs.

Among their recommendations, the Advisory group considered prioritizing monitoring of BTX (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene) in the Philippines and Mongolia. Methods such as Canister/Gas Chromatography/Flame Ionization Detection/Mass Spectrometry (GC/FID/MS) and Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) were recommended to be compared. Sampling should be conducted for 24 hours over two weeks at various locations. Capacity building for Volatile Organic Compounds monitoring was considered crucial. Re-establishing Canister/Sorbent Tube-GC/FID/MS methods (TO14/14a/15/15a) in the lab is recommended. Training, consumables, and support for monitoring and analysis were considered important. Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for VOCs monitoring and formulating air quality guidelines are the key objectives.

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The mission in the Philippines received financial contributions from the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ) and significant in-kind contributions from the Philippines, for which the organizers expressed their appreciation.

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The VOC project has been funded by The Ministry of Environment, Japan (MOEJ), through the EANET Project Fund.

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Useful Resources:

-Read the meeting highlights on the Environmental Management Bureau’s (EMB) website.

-View the EANET VOC Project Advisory Group Meeting photos on Flickr

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Photo credits: Cover photo by Louis (2015), all other photos, all rights reserved to the EANET.

National Stakeholder Awareness Workshop in the Philippines on EANET: Promoting acid deposition and air quality management in East Asia

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

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Registration is now closed.

Background and Objectives

The Acid Deposition Monitoring New Workshop in East Asia (EANET) was established in 2001 as an intergovernmental initiative to create a common understanding of the state of acid deposition problems in East Asia, provide useful inputs for decision-making at various levels, and promote cooperation among countries. The Philippines is one of the 13 EANET Participating Countries (PCs). In 2021, the PCs decided to expand the scope of EANET to explicitly cover air pollution and adopted a Supplementary Document (Annex) to the Instrument. EANET, as an intergovernmental initiative, is bound by an Instrument that PCs have committed to.

EANET’s activities are guided by five-year Medium Term Plans and a Work Programme and Budget approved by the PCs every year. In 2023, the Secretariat is organizing National Stakeholder Awareness Workshops to support the implementation of activities of the EANET and to better understand specific country needs. The EANET National Awareness Workshop for the Philippines is on 26 May 2023 to be held at the University of the Philippines. It is co-organized by the EANET Secretariat and the Network Center, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippines, and the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, College of Science, University of the Philippines in Diliman.

The Workshop aims at showcasing the achievements and activities of the EANET over the last 20 years including activities involving the Philippines and to encourage cooperation between EANET and the Philippines in the implementation of the expanded scope and the EANET Project Fund activities. About 50 participants from government, academic and research institutions, and, non-government organizations are expected to attend the workshop.

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Draft Agenda (updated on 19 May)

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For further inquiries, contact the EANET Secretariat.