The Environmental Management Bureau-Negros Island Region (EMB-NIR) has activated its air quality monitoring station in Bacolod City to enhance local ambient air monitoring and public health protection in this part of the region.
Located in Barangay Alijis, the facility, which was already in full operation on Thursday after its unveiling on Wednesday, is equipped with a state-of-the-art MET One BAM-1020 continuous particulate matter monitor.
In a statement, EMB-NIR OIC Regional Director Vicente Losbañes underscored the significance of partnership and shared commitment in ensuring air quality in Bacolod.
“This project is just not about technology. The installation of the continuous ambient air monitoring station (CAAMS) marks a big step in strengthening our local air quality monitoring efforts. Its true value will be realized through collaboration among stakeholders, transparent data access, and community engagement,” he added.
The MET One BAM-1020 has received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designations for both particulate matter (PM) 10 and PM 2.5 monitoring, which means it meets the stringent standards for regulatory equivalence.
The equipment uses beta-ray attenuation technology to measure ambient particulate mass concentrations in real time with high accuracy, logging data hourly, and supporting remote data collection and long-term unattended operation.
Through the CAAMS, the EMB-NIR said it will be able to continuously measure dangerous fine particulate matter, PM 2.5 (particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers) and PM 10 (particles up to 10 micrometers).
Such pollutants are linked to respiratory, cardiovascular and other health issues, especially among children, the elderly and vulnerable populations.
“The new station will feed real-time data into EMB’s monitoring network, allowing more immediate responses to air quality alerts, targeted policy interventions, and stronger partnerships between local government units, agencies and communities,” it added.*