Philippines expanding diesel vehicle smoke tests, gets prodding from Metro Manila Development Authority . Workshop Highlights

Diesel Fuel News, Sept 16, 2002

Partly with help from Asia Development Bank (ADB), the MMDA-led anti-smoke belching task force (ASMTF) has acquired 25 smoke opacimeters to catch and stop gross emitters. However, despite some smoke-testing on major arteries, many other roads go unchecked due to lack of funds for enforcement teams, according to a report from Philippine Star last month.

So, MMDA is pushing the Senate to boost funding for the program. "Overall I would say that the situation with respect to commitment to deal with smoke belchers and prospects to make an impact have never been so good," ADB-Philippines official Cornelius Huizenga told Diesel Fuel News. "The recent move of MMDA to actively involve local government units in anti-smoking belching activities shows their commitment."