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Contact for DOH:
Aleli Sudiacal
(632) 732-9966
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Contact for DENR:
Marissa Cruz
(632) 926-7460 loc. 2007
(632) 926-7462 loc. 2063 or 2204
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Contacts for the World Bank:
Manila: Anissa Tria
(632) 917-3013
E-mail: atria2@worldbank.org
Washington: Mohamad Al-Arief
(202) 458-5964
E-mail: malarief@worldbank.org
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MANILA, September 4, 2007 — A joint report of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Health (DOH) and the World Bank highlights the importance of environmental improvements for safeguarding human health in the country. According to the latest Philippines Environment Monitor, launched here today, air and water pollution, and the lack of good sanitation and hygiene practices are the most significant environment-related health risks in the Philippines, accounting for an estimated 22 percent of the reported disease cases and six percent of reported deaths and costing PHP14.3 billion (approximately US$287 million) per year in lost income and medical expenses. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said, “The good health of the Filipino people depends a lot on a healthy environment. The failure to ensure safe water supply and sanitation and the rapid course with which we degrade the environment through air and water pollutants greatly threaten human health and contribute to a high death toll across all ages. The poorest victims, however, are children.” Poor air quality from outdoor air pollution in urban areas and indoor air pollution causes respiratory diseases including acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and cardiovascular diseases, accounting for an estimated five percent of all reported disease cases and four percent of all reported deaths in the country. Water pollution and poor sanitation conditions, which cause diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, cholera, and intestinal worms, are estimated to account for 17 percent of reported disease cases and 1.5 percent of the reported deaths in the Philippines. “Poor environmental conditions are affecting development in the Philippines, causing people to spend more on medical treatment and reducing their quality of life and productivity,” said Rahul Raturi, Sector Manager for Environment and Rural Development at the World Bank. The report also highlights the progress made in the country. Investment in sanitary toilets and increases in household water supply connections have contributed to the reduction in many water-borne diseases such as diarrhea. There are now 43 percent fewer reported cases of diarrhea nationally compared to ten years ago. In terms of air pollution, many initiatives under the Clean Air Act have been instituted show promise in reducing levels of urban air pollution from motor vehicles. In Metro Manila, 84 percent of particulate pollution is from motor vehicles, particularly motorcycles, tricycles, and utility vehicles such as jeepneys. There has also been a gradual change from the use of solid cooking fuels such as wood in households to the cleaner burning LPG. Environment Secretary Jose Atienza said, “Filipinos are now more sharply aware of the consequences of environmental abuse, and are more vigilant against those who desecrate the only human habitat we know in this universe.” He added, “Everybody must share the burden of managing and protecting our country’s environment and natural wealth. The government cannot, by itself, effectively protect the environment and manage natural resources.” Also highlighted are innovative programs such as those of private water concessionaires in Manila to provide water supply connections to the poor as well as programs in San Fernando La Union and Puerto Princesa City to reduce pollution from tricycles and motorcycles. “Local champions and forward-looking leadership are key ingredients to getting initiatives working on the ground to improve environmental health in the country,” said World Bank Philippines Acting Country Director Maryse Gautier. The report encourages government agencies, health practitioners, civil society organizations, and the general public to help improve the health of Filipinos through a better environment. It highlights the importance of expanding infrastructure for wastewater and sanitation, improving environmental regulation especially of motor vehicle emissions and improving availability and use of information for management of environmental health risks. The identified priorities to help further reduce health impacts caused by a poor quality environment include: Raising the profile of the environment’s role in health in government programs and policies and strengthening the institutional commitment to the agenda through the Interagency Committee on Environmental Health. Providing useful and easy-to-access information through more timely and complete disease surveillance, improving awareness materials and providing effective mechanisms for information sharing and dissemination. Improving infrastructure for health by filling in the gaps in basic sanitation, expanding water resource development, and reducing the health risks of polluted surface and groundwater. Strengthening local regulation and reducing particulate matter emissions from motor vehicles. Taking the agenda forward using the finalization of the National Environmental Health Action Plan as a stepping stone for commitment and action.
### Electronic copies of the Philippines Environment Monitor may be downloaded from www.worldbank.org.ph/pem Printed copies will soon be available in Knowledge for Development Centers (KDCs) nationwide. For more information on World Bank-assisted projects and programs in the Philippines,
visit www.worldbank.org.ph
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