SENATE Committee on Public Works chairperson Ramon Revilla, Jr. on Tuesday lauded the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on their new policy of using shredded plastic waste as an additive in asphalt.
This would reportedly extend the lifespan of roads across the country.
In Department Order No. 139, s. 2024, DPWH approved the use of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic bag waste in hot mix asphalt (HMA).
Revilla said this sets a new standard in the use of the Bituminous Concrete Surface Course now that it is incorporated with the new material.
In line with the new policy, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan directed all regional offices, district engineering offices, and Unified Project Management Office clusters to comply with the said issuance on road construction projects.
“We congratulate the DPWH for their innovative policy of integrating plastic waste in their infra projects, especially on road construction,” said Revilla. “Nakakatuwa kasi hindi lang ito para mas magiging sustainable ang mga proyekto nila kundi malaking tulong rin ito sa waste management.”
The senator has been calling for resilient and sustainable infrastructure projects in the past. During the public hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Works in 2022, he called on government agencies to invest in projects that can sustainably solve flooding.
Revilla said he has recommended the DPWH to make resilient and sustainable projects. “And they did not disappoint me with this new policy. “
The senator aired his support to the DPWH as long as they are compliant with the standards with the materials to guarantee that the infra projects are not compromised,” he said.
