How Manila is Affected

·        
98% of residents in Manila indicate they are
affected by the air pollution and 71% believing that the air quality has
worsened over the past year, air pollution is clearly a significant problem
for a very large proportion of the population.

·        
The air pollution is affecting people in many
different ways, with 82% of respondents indicating that they were
experiencing irritation to their eyes, nose and throat, 57% breathless or
having more difficulties in breathing and 27% attributing skin problems to
the pollution.

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Air pollution is also having an impact upon
people’s emotional lives, with 62% of residents in Manila worrying about the
living environment for children and 40% feeling depressed due to the air
pollution.

·        
Residents in Manila are also ready to take
individual action; with 93% believing that improving the environment is the
responsibility of every citizen and 77% indicating that they are actively
involved in cleaning up the environment. However education is required, with
87% of residents believing that if they knew how to contribute to a better
environment they would take action. The government also needs to be involved,
with 94% of respondents indicating that they would like to see the government
more active by implementing recycling programs in the city.

Facts about traffic:

·        
Manila traffic is ridiculous.  The road
network is underdeveloped to be able to support the 11+ million people that
live in this area. 

·        
Very few intersections, even major ones DO NOT
have traffic lights, or even road signs that would define right of way. 
The result is a total free for all at every intersection as drivers try to
inch through in every possible direction at once.

·        
In order to reduce the amount of cars on the road,
not all of them are allowed to be used at the same time.  Each car,
based on the last number of its license plate, has a day of the week where it
cannot be driven.

I tell you these facts so you can pray for the health of the communities of Manila,Philippines. Every time you breath, who knows what your taking in and your
bodies try to adapt. A lot of people on the squad are getting sick and
I would love it, if you can please lift us up in your prayers. I personally
have been bed bound for two days, with many symptoms and need to kick this
sickness out of the door. The people who have been raised in the
Manila are suffering from air pollution and action needs to be taken- we need to break
the cycle of this being normal lifestyle and health needs to be established. The People here are amazing humble people, and they need a change to arise!