IMPLEMENTATION OF ANTI SMOKE BELCHING CAMPAIGN BY THE LAND TRANSPORTATION OFFICE AT COMMONWEALTH QUEZON CITY

Abstract

Air pollution remains a critical environmental and public health issue, particularly in highly urbanized areas like Commonwealth, Quezon City. One of the primary contributors to this pollution is the emission of harmful smoke from motor vehicles, especially from poorly maintained and old vehicles. In response, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) launched the Anti-Smoke Belching Campaign to curb the adverse effects of vehicle emissions on air quality. The campaign focuses on roadside inspections, penalizing offenders, and encouraging vehicle maintenance to meet emission standards.  This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the LTO's Anti-Smoke Belching Campaign in Commonwealth, Quezon City, by examining its implementation, challenges, and outcomes. It also seeks to evaluate the level of compliance among vehicle owners and operators, as well as the enforcement strategies employed by authorities. Through this research, the study hopes to identify the successes and shortcomings of the campaign, offering recommendations for enhancing its impact.  The results of this study will contribute valuable insights to improve air quality, public health, and transportation management, ultimately supporting sustainable policies to combat urban air pollution. This survey was conducted to evaluate the implementation of the Anti-Smoke Belching Campaign by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Commonwealth, Quezon City. The study aims to assess how well the campaign is being executed and its effectiveness in addressing the issue of smoke belching among vehicles. To guide the study, a set of specific questions were formulated.  The population for the study includes 60 respondents, consisting of 10 public and private utility vehicle drivers and 10 commuters from Commonwealth, Quezon City. These respondents were selected using purposive sampling, and each participant was provided with a questionnaire. The primary data collection instrument was the survey questionnaire, and the data was analyzed using percentage and weighted mean.  The analysis revealed that most of the respondents, particularly vehicle owners, have limited awareness regarding the importance of smoke emission testing. This lack of awareness has contributed to the insufficient compliance with emission standards and the overall challenges in the successful implementation of the Anti-Smoke Belching Campaign. The findings suggest that raising public awareness and educating vehicle owners about the significance of emission testing is crucial to improving the program's effectiveness. The results are presented in accordance with the problems identified in Chapter 1, including tabular data, analysis, and textual interpretation to further explain the findings.  The total average weighted mean for the factor of maintaining good driving habits in reducing smoke belching was 3.14, which is interpreted as "strongly agree." This indicates that respondents believe maintaining proper driving habits is crucial in minimizing smoke emissions from vehicles.  Regarding the impact of air pollution, the total average weighted mean was 3.05, also interpreted as "strongly agree." This suggests that air pollution due to vehicle emissions is a significant concern among the respondents.  For health conditions, the total average weighted mean was 2.98, which is again interpreted as "strongly agree," indicating that respondents acknowledge the health risks associated with smoke belching.  The total average weighted mean for the problems encountered by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in implementing the Anti-Smoke Belching Campaign was 1.38, interpreted as "strongly agree." This suggests that respondents believe the LTO faces substantial challenges in carrying out the campaign effectively.  Finally, the total average weighted mean for the proposed measures to address the problems encountered was 1.43, also interpreted as "strongly agree." This indicates that respondents strongly agree with the proposed solutions to improve the implementation and effectiveness of the Anti-Smoke Belching Campaign. The study identified a significant issue: a lack of awareness among vehicle owners regarding the importance of smoke emission testing. The findings revealed that while the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has made efforts to improve its strategies, only a limited number of drivers are actively benefiting from the programs.  Based on these results, several recommendations were proposed to enhance the effectiveness of the Anti-Smoke Belching Campaign in Commonwealth, Quezon City. The researcher suggests that the LTO should focus on increasing public awareness about the importance of smoke emission testing. More targeted outreach programs and campaigns could help inform vehicle owners about the benefits of participating in these tests. Additionally, it is recommended that the LTO continue to enforce and monitor ordinances aimed at reducing pollution, ensuring that all drivers comply with the regulations.  By implementing these recommendations, it is expected that the Anti-Smoke Belching Campaign will yield better results, with more drivers taking part in the program and contributing to cleaner air and improved public health. The researcher emphasizes the importance of ongoing collaboration between the LTO and drivers to ensure the success of the initiative and to foster a more sustainable and harmonious community.