U.P. Develops Sophisticated Environmental Sensors for the Whole Philippines
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Communities across the Philippines could become more environmentally sustainable, thanks to the University of the Philippines - Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) spearheading the use of automated environmental monitoring technology and regular environmental testing procedures for possible deployment nationwide.
The AirboxSense is one of several automated air quality sensors initially deployed within U.P.'s National Science Complex. UPD-CS scientists are looking at the feasibility of rolling out similar initiatives nationwide.
AirboxSense by U.P. Diliman - College of Science
At the behest of UPD Chancellor Fidel Nemenzo, who prioritized the protection and preservation of UPD's natural environment in his vision for the campus, the UPD-CS led other colleges and institutions in the University in setting up sophisticated sensors for keeping an eye on the environment around the clock.
Real-time Environmental Monitoring
Two key action points determined by the expert team are the deployment of the AirboxSense system for real-time air quality reporting to the general public, and the establishment of an air and water quality monitoring network with the Diliman Environmental Management Office. The AirboxSense was co-developed by UP and foreign university partners with funding from the Asia-India Science, Technology, and Innovation Cooperation (AISTC).
“Air quality monitoring using AirboxSense in the NSC started in August 2022. It’s an initiative between the Philippines, Malaysia, and India to put up these monitoring devices for air quality control,” explained Dr. Mylene Cayetano, a professor at the UPD-CS’ Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM).
The UP’s Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (EEEI) helped automate the AirboxSense through the UP Center for Air Research (UP CARE) program. The AirboxSense is also equipped with Robust Optical Aerosol Monitor (ROAM) developed by Dr. Len Herald Lim of the Institute of Chemistry.
Nationwide Deployment of AirboxSense
Dr. Cayetano believes that these projects are of nationwide significance.
“These [information and data] will eventually tell the numbers. Where are we situated now? Where is the baseline? What were our emissions when activities were lessened because of the pandemic? How much was the increase in emissions when activities such as face-to-face classes and the opening of the UPD campus and offices resumed? By knowing these, we know where to stand. By knowing those numbers, we will know how to manage the impacts on the environment of such activities.”
U.P. is studying how the AirboxSense can be adopted by local governments around the country. “Data collected from these initiatives can also be used by local governments and other decision-makers in managing localized environmental activities,” the UPD-CS said in a statement.
