MANILA, Philippines?The quality of the air in Makati has improved within the span of four years, according to the city government.

Citing the results of a recent regular ambient air quality monitoring that measured the average level of total suspended particles (TSP) done by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the local government claimed in a press statement that air quality in the city has shown marked improvement since 2006.

?With an average reading of 124 microgram per normal cubic meter (ug/Ncm) in the first six months of the year, air quality in the city has improved as indicated by a significant reduction of 32 ug/Ncm from its average TSP level of 156 ug/Ncm recorded in the same period in 2006,? City Hall

In the same statement, Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. said that the improved air quality monitored in the city can be attributed to the relentless drive of the city government to implement national and local laws against air pollution.

?The relentless efforts of the city government to combat air pollution for many years now have achieved tangible improvement in the quality of air we breathe in Makati,? Binay said.

He added that the administration has consistently promoted strict adherence to relevant national laws like the Clean Air Act of 1999 and the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, adding that the enactment of the city?s own Emission Control Code and Revised Anti-Smoking Ordinance has ?given more teeth? to the said laws.

Binay also acknowledged the ?strong multi-sectoral participation? as the key to the continuing success of the city?s advocacy for clean air, as well as its other advocacies toward a truly healthy and safe environment for all its stakeholders.

?Our various environmental initiatives, including those aimed at cleaner air, have made much headway because of the strong partnership we have established and sustained over the years with all concerned sectors, including the residents, the business community, visitors, and other stakeholders,? he said.

The mayor said his administration intended to sustain existing environmental initiatives, such as the drives against smoke-belching vehicles and smoking in public places and public transport, and its promotion of smoke-less alternative means of transport like the electric jeepneys, or e-jeeps.

?The problem of air pollution is one of the toughest challenges we face, given the sheer volume of vehicles plying the city?s thoroughfares every day. But as recent developments show, we are definitely making progress,? Binay said.