In a significant step toward environmental sustainability and public health, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region V formally inaugurated its Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (CAAQMS) at Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) on March 19, 2026.
The ceremony was marked by a ribbon-cutting and a formal blessing led by Fr. Gabriel Lamug-Nañawa, SJ. Key officials in attendance included Engr. Geri-Geronimo R. Sañez, Regional Director of EMB-V; EMB V Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Division (EMED) Chief Engr. Jose Rey L. Monreal, Ph.D.; City Councilor Wilfredo Jude A. Diokno, representing Naga City Mayor Leni G. Robredo; Mr. Marvin Sagun of the City ENRO; and Ms. Joanaviva C. Plopenio, Director of the Ateneo de Naga University – Institute for Environmental Conservation and Research (ADNU-INECAR).
Constructed in December 2025, the facility is the result of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between ADNU and EMB-V. This collaboration aims to provide real-time, accurate data on the city’s air quality, which is vital for both policy-making and community awareness. Further, the station is capable of measuring Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 and 10, Wind Speed, Rainfall, Wind Direction, Ambient Temperature, Relative Humidity, Barometric Pressure, and Solar Radiation. Finally, under the agreement, ADNU-INECAR will have full access to the station’s data.
By facilitating the establishment of this air quality monitoring station, ADNU directly advances SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) to reduce the environmental impact of urban growth in Naga City, while supporting SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through the provision of essential data for policies and programs aimed at mitigating pollution-related illnesses. Furthermore, the facility strengthens SDG 13 (Climate Action) by tracking greenhouse gases and pollutants to provide a localized, evidence-based foundation for climate initiatives. This wealth of data will, in turn, be instrumental in driving academic research focused on addressing pressing environmental challenges and ensuring the long-term well-being of Naga City residents—a mission made possible through the collaborative efforts of EMB-V and the university.
