BAGUIO CITY – Hibiscus Rosasinensis or Gumamela will once again flourish in this mountain city.

Mayor Mauricio Domogan during the Alay sa Kalinisan regular meeting said he has tasked the City Environment and Parks Management Office to start the propagation of Gumamela plants which he said could combat air pollution in the city.

Domogan said the Gumamela which is very common in the city is an excellent carbon sink and can be planted in select locations within the Central Business District (CBD).

The shrub is usually planted near houses and used as natural fences and hedges and mainly cultivated for ornamental purposes.

The idea of planting carbon sink plants in the CBD will help improve the air quality in areas where motor vehicles usually negotiate. 

This as the EMB-DENR-CAR reported the ambient air quality of the city which is being monitored by the equipment installed at Lower Session Road shows an increase of Nitrogen Dioxide, Sulfur Dioxide and Ozone during city celebrations.

The rise is attributed to the convergence of motor vehicles and people at the central business district during these times.

Domogan stressed, people need to be educated on the importance of maintaining our air quality.

Meanwhile, the Combi Opacemeter – the newly purchased gas analyzer machine is ready for use by the second week of September, City Environment and Parks Management Officer (CEPMO) Cordelia Lacsamana revealed.

CEPMO personnel were already trained in the operation of the new machine by the supplier while ten members of the RITMT were sent to TESDA also for training.

The new machine is expected to enhance the city’s clean air campaign.

The mayor has also expressed agreement to “Job Orders” to augment the present Clean Air Unit Staff of the city which the CEPMO has requested.

Monitoring and apprehension of smoke belchers by the Road Side Inspection, Testing and Monitoring Team (RITMT) will continue. ***paul rillorta