Philippines' air quality 'improving'

The air quality of many of the Philippines' cities is improving, according to the country's government.

Lito Atienza, Filipino environmental secretary, said that although pollution is not completely under control, air quality in the Philippines is currently better than that in many Asian countries, reported GMA News.

He highlighted recent data from the Environmental Management Bureau to illustrate his point.

Aspects such as the country's Clean Air Act and increased awareness of the problem among the Philippines' people - particularly motorists - are responsible for the improvements.

"We are reiterating our commitment to really achieve clean air and good quality for our people, especially for our children and the next generation," Mr Atienza added.

However, he highlighted that even if air quality has improved, the country is still "far off the targeted level of standard" and behind the international standard.

In other air quality news, the Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau revealed that the city had 274 blue sky days in 2008, following attempts to reduce pollution in the capital city.