A comparative analysis of the extent of light pollution in the Cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig

Abstract

To determine the extent of light pollution in the cities of Mandaluyong and Pasig the researcher utilized the population growth data from the Philippines Statistics Agency, while the number of buildings that have been built in the two cities is taken from www.citypopulation. The radiance values which are significant in understanding light pollution in the two cities are derived from lightpollutionmap.com. Data from the VIIRS only covered the period of 2013 to 2018. One-way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) and multiple correlations are used in this study to find out the correlations and relationships of all variables which are applied in this study. The statistical tests were run in SPSS version 25. The study reveals that areas with high levels of radiance value in Mandaluyong and Pasig share common characteristics, such as their proximity to two major thoroughfares in the Metropolitan Manila area. These two major thoroughfares both have numerous street lights and are lined on both sides by big signages and billboards lit by powerful LED spotlights, and becoming more numerous lately are huge LED billboards. In addition, both roads have heavy traffic at night. The study also determines that the type of residential setup in both cities contributes to the extent of light pollution. As the population in the two cities grows, the demand for housing, malls, and commercial establishments continues to grow. Both cities are highly urbanized and heavily light polluted. The information this paper reveals can be the basis in the creation of a drive or campaign to mitigate current and future problems in both cities pertaining to light pollution.