The University of the Philippines Diliman has co-developed the Robust Optical Aerosol Monitor (ROAM), the first Filipino-made air quality monitoring device, marking a milestone for local science and engineering. The project is led by Dr. Len Herald Lim of the UPD College of Science’s Institute of Chemistry.
What is ROAM?
ROAM began as a simple measurement idea in 2014 and grew into a working device that combines scientific inquiry with engineering. Its performance is comparable to contemporary aerosol monitoring devices used in industry and by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB). Dr. Lim collaborated with Engr. Paul Alexander Darvin of UP Los Banos to bring the monitor to life.
Why it matters
The World Health Organization emphasized this year that air quality monitoring is crucial for understanding the health effects of air pollution and tracking reduction efforts. A locally made monitor means Philippine researchers and agencies can study air quality with homegrown technology, reducing dependence on imported equipment. ROAM shows how Filipino scientists can turn a research concept into a practical tool for public health and the environment.
