The Philippines’ Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is making progress on a domestic flood control project in Tagum City, Davao del Norte.  

The concrete revetment structure is being built to prevent flooding caused by overflow from the Hijo River. 

The DPWH Davao del Norte District Engineering Office (DEO) is overseeing the project, which spans an 840.84m section of the river in Barangay Madaum. 

Civil works for the flood control project started in April this year.  

The project is currently ahead of schedule, with a 50% accomplishment rate already achieved.  

DPWH Region 11 director Juby Cordon said: “We are building 819.28 linear metres of concrete revetment and a 21.56-linear metre closure to strengthen the riverbanks and prevent further erosion and scouring. This will complement the completed revetment on the other side of the river.” 

Earlier this month, the DPWH announced the completion of a domestic flood mitigation project and a farm-to-market road in Marinduque.  

Separately, the DPWH has signed an order prescribing the department's standard specification for the use of recycled material in asphalt.  

The policy addresses the use of Item 310 (15) - bituminous concrete surface course with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic bag waste - which is hot laid. 

This approach aims to recycle LDPE plastic bag waste by shredding it and incorporating it as an additive in asphalt concrete.  

The objective is to reduce the material's susceptibility to permanent deformation.  

The use of LDPE plastic bag waste in asphalt cement mixes has undergone testing and met the standards set by the DPWH Bureau of Research and Standards.