Health and Environmental Problems in Philippines

This paper reviewed available information/data compiled by various agencies, institutions, and experts, including the academe. The review concentrated on five of the most pressing problems such as air pollution, water pollution, land pollution related to the problem of solid wastes, toxic and hazardous chemical wastes and deforestation. Most of the data presented focused on Metro Manila. Past air monitoring data showed significant exceedances of national air quality guideline values especially for particulates and lead. Many of the country's rivers and lakes have deteriorated, some were declared biologically dead. The acute solid waste problem and the proliferation of toxic and hazardous chemicals have led to the enactment of legislation. Uncontrolled deforestation has taken its toll on the environment and people. Various actions were undertaken by the national administration with the cooperation of other sectors to address environmental problems. However, constraints to the enforcement of environmental laws and programs must be minimized to attain the desired level of environmental protection and management.