The air quality in parts of Manila continued to improve amid the lockdown, the Manila Public Information Office (MPIO) said on Wednesday.
In tweets, the MPIO statement, basing it on a study done by the Asia Blue Skies Program, said that air pollution levels dropped by as high as 71 percent.
The study said this was recorded in Freedom Park at the Manila City Hall which saw an average of 2.5 particulate matter or the air quality from April 27 to May 1 from the period of January 21 to March 6 or before the enhanced community quarantine began.
The air quality in Rizal Park also showed an improvement as air pollution dropped by as much as 60 percent compared to the period before the lockdown.
The study also showed that air pollution went down by 51 percent in Mendiola compared to pre-quarantine period when classes and office work were still allowed.
The data plus emissions inventory and health mapping results are collected to help better understand the state of air quality in the city and how the local government unit can help maintain or further improve the state of air quality.
The challenge now is what the LGU will do once the enhanced community quarantine is lifted and more cars are allowed on the streets.
The Manila City Clean Air Action Plan is expected to be completed by the end of the year.