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VEHICLE EMISSION REDUCTION PROGRAMS
ROOT CAUSE APPROACH
To Control Vehicle Emissions in Metro Manila
Metro Manila has been ranked by the World Health Organization as one of the five most polluted cities in the world. Studies reveal that diesel emissions from public utility vehicles make up a large portion of air pollution in Metro Manila. In response to the worsening air quality brought about by excessive pollution from vehicle emissions in Metro Manila, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) entered into a cooperative agreement with IPFI for a two-year project that aims to promote public awareness and actions to reduce vehicle emissions. Specifically, the project targets the reduction of vehicle emissions in Metro Manila by addressing the root cause - poorly maintained public utility vehicles with uncalibrated fuel injection pumps plying the roads of Metro Manila.
MILESTONES
IPFI strategies to implement the preventive maintenance system include: 1) comprehensive training and technical consultancy assistance on proper vehicle maintenance and injection calibration; 2) coalition building of public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers as champions in advocating for preventive maintenance practices; 3) establishment of reputable calibration center to provide systematic calibration and maintenance services; and 4) program monitoring and documentation for skills upgrading and technology transfer. The target beneficiaries are the jeepney and bus drivers/operators and the general public in Metro Manila.
Through USAID's assistance, the project has organized the Champion for Reduction of Air Pollution from Vehicle Emissions (CRAVE), a coalition of 30-50 core group leaders from the public utility transport sector that aims to continue the project's Preventive Maintenance (PM) advocacy work. The project has also conducted several training/seminar to about 900 jeepney/bus drivers/operators in Metro Manila on preventive maintenance system. Soon, taxi, FX and truck sectors will be included to generate a more comprehensive result. A pilot study for a bus company with a fleet of 150 units has been completed and the results are very encouraging. The "Help Clean the Air the Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT) Way" contest helped improve total understanding and appreciation of the importance of PM among the transport sector, leading to actual engine refurbishing. A survey of the actual PM practice among CRAVE members showed that 86% of the respondents are regularly practicing PM procedures. The project has established an alliance with major jeepney and bus organizations on how to develop and improve the operational performance of their fleets and contribute further in improving the Metro Manila air quality.
The project is exploring the feasibility of establishing a workable micro finance program that will cater to the financial needs of the transport sector. Investing in systematic application of PM is proven to be more beneficial in the long run.
The project has successfully repaired and refurbished four (4) Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) units and this has increased profits while contributing to cleaner air. In fact, a 12-year old jeepney owned by Mr. Victor Cornelio, and a 19-year old jeepney owned by Mr. Melchor Estancio have shown remarkable improvements in vehicle emission test, operating efficiency and cost benefit analysis after the repair. This success story hopefully would inspire more vehicle owners to adopt Preventive Maintenance.
MORE INFO
Cooperator: Infinite Progression Foundation, Inc. (IPFI)
Period Covered: August 2002 to August 2005
Mechanism: Cooperative Agreement
Wilfredo Nava
President
Unit 402 Alabang Corporate Center
KM 25 West Service Road
Muntinlupa City
Philippines
Tel (632) 775-0857
(632) 775-0858
willenv@mozcom.com
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