THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Monday said it has approved the use of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottles as an additive to improve the stability and extend the lifespan of asphalt-paved national roads.
The PET is a widely used thermoplastic polymer material known for its strength and durability.
Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan signed a department order on the standard specification for the use of plastic waste material dubbed as Item 310 (19), or the bituminous concrete surface course with PET plastic bottle waste, hot-laid, DPWH said.
This is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s commitment to building resilient and sustainable infrastructure, and expands the 2024 initiative that utilized Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plastic bag waste in road construction, the department added.
The plastic waste mixture now forms part of the second volume of the DPWH’s standard specification for highways, bridges and airports. It is also included in the department’s project and contract management application, which will be used for future projects of DPWH regional offices, unified project management office clusters, and district engineering offices nationwide.
“Turning waste into a valuable resource for building better and more roads is the future of public infrastructure development in the country. The public can expect more of these policies as we vow to continue to fund this construction innovation, Bonoan said in the statement.
In a related development, last week, DPWH launchd a series of nationwide consultations aimed at strengthening regional collaboration and improving national road maintenance practices.
These efforts are part of the agency’s initiative to update and enhance the Philippine Highway Maintenance Management Manual (PHMMM), the department added.
On its fourth series, simultaneous consultations were conducted in CAR, Regions 1, 2, and 3 from May 14 to 16, 2025.
Earlier sessions in NCR, Regions 4A, 4B, and 5 laid the groundwork by addressing local concerns, gathering field feedback, and refining strategies to ensure the revised PHMMM is inclusive and responsive to the country’s evolving needs, the DPWH said.
Gene Ryan Altea, director of the DPWH’s Bureau of Maintenance highlighted the need to revisit standards due to the unique geotechnical characteristics of regions such as Ilocos and Central Luzon, as well as the rapid pace of urban development.
“Given the evolving challenges brought about by regional conditions and urban growth, it is crucial to update our maintenance standards to ensure the manual effectively addresses current needs and future demands,” Altea said during the consultation meeting in Region 3.
