TOLENTINO, CRISTEN LEI D.

(202211163) | BsCpE | COE0017 | TE01

What effects might pollution have in the Philippines?

The Philippines is a gorgeous nation with breathtaking, lush rainforests, and a

wide variety of species and diverse wildlife. However, a growing issue that jeopardizes
the wellbeing of its inhabitants lurks behind the region's natural beauty that threatens its
citizens' well-being. Pollution has become a very big problem that affects Filipinos' daily
lives, with many families and households struggling from the many effects of it, with the
struggle of finding clean water to drink, and having to deal with many diseases because
of it. The effects of pollution on the nation are devastating, leading to various health
complications and environmental degradation. In many urban areas, the air is incredibly
dense due to many carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles and industrial buildings,
posing a severe risk to respiratory health. Likewise, the ocean waters surrounding the
country have become cruelly contaminated with waste causing many water-borne
illnesses, and endangering marine life. This is similar to our soils which is essential for
agriculture, has been polluted, leading to reduced crop yields. Tragically, the most
vulnerable groups, the poor, often reside in areas with severe pollution, making them the
most affected. Because of this, it is very important to note that the negative effects of
pollution are not only environmental but also a human issue, which demands urgent
action.

But what, exactly, is pollution, and why is it such an immediate issue in this
contemporary world?

Pollution, when defined, refers to the presence or introduction of harmful into

our environment, including air, water, and soil, and it can cause harmful effects on living
organisms, ecosystems, and to the health of the human population. It can result from
human activities such as industrial processes, transportation, and waste disposal.

Pollution may come in different forms, those of which are air pollution, water
pollution, soil pollution, noise pollution, light pollution, and many, many more.
Pollution may be caused due to a variety of different sources, that of which include
human activities and natural phenomena. However, human activities can further propel
the effects of that the natural phenomena causes, such as deeply fueling industries with
fossil fuel and industrial developments, fueling the transportation, energy, and
manufacturing sectors, according to a study published in the Journal Environmental
Science and Health in 2019.

In the Philippine setting, pollution is highly prevalent within urban areas such as
Metro Manila, wherein traffic is a major contributor to air pollution, and trash is
everywhere due to improper waste management, leading to tremendous amounts of land
and water pollution.
TOLENTINO, CRISTEN LEI D. (202211163) | BsCpE | COE0017 | TE01

Pollution is a pressing matter in modern day Philippines, most especially in

urban areas similar to that of Metro Manila. The heavy traffic within the city streets have
contributed significantly to air pollution, with many vehicles emitting harmful gases and
particulate matter into the atmosphere, which is made especially worse due to
overpopulation in these areas. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution
in Metro Manila has exceeded the safe limits, putting the health of millions and millions
of residents at risk.

In addition to air pollution, the Philippines also faces serious issues with waste
management. Improper disposal of trash has led to land pollution, with garbage piling up
in the streets and causing health hazards for residents. The lack of proper waste disposal
systems has also resulted in drastic water pollution, as many waste are dumped into
rivers and seas, contaminating water sources, and harming marine life.

The effects of pollution in the Philippines are not limited to the environment.

These industries are severely harmed by land and water pollution, which is a
major concern as the country's reliance on industries such as fishing and tourism make it
vulnerable to environmental degradation, and these activities are a major funding source
towards the country’s economy. The negative impact of pollution on human health also
results in a major strain and difficulty on the country's healthcare and medicinal systems
and hospitals, with the cost of medical treatment for pollution-related illnesses being a
significant burden on many families, most especially those of impoverished families
who normally can not afford such a high bill.

I can definitely say that it is crucial to implement effective and operative waste
management systems and structures, and to employ much stricter regulation on
industrial activities by the government. We must spread public awareness and support
our local non-government or government organizations with their causes as well. We
must take initiative ourselves to also enable other people to take the initiative to reduce
their carbon footprint. If we work together, and fight for better implementation of
regulations on waste management and for more, and better care for the environment, we
can create a cleaner and greener environment for Filipinos and create a better and more
sustainable future for our country.