NORTHERN MINDANAO — An evolution of structures that are disaster-resilient with mitigating plans for major projects, involving bridges and highways being moved to safer grounds, are unfolding in government and public construction projects in Mindanao.

Extreme abnormalities in today’s prevailing weather condition are immediate concerns in the construction industry, and engineers and architects are relying on state-of-the-art technologies to aid them in mapping out places for safe structures and calculate avoidance of disaster-prone areas, such as the Geophysical Information System (GIS), which now dictates where bridges, road networks and the metropolis have to rise up — minimizing threats spawned by landslides and flash floods that can submerge communities and metropolis in deep waters, affecting thousands of lives and billions of pesos in properties.

Government, through its leading construction agency, the Department of Public Works and Highways, is adopting ways toward mitigation, much more, resiliency.

Current plans include redirecting or opening up of new road networks through the aid of GIS, which, practically, redefined the map of the region for future constructions.

In 2014, the Department of Public Works and Highways in Region 10 (DPWH-10) made use of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) survey in the identification of safe areas for infrastructure, especially roads and bridges, purposely for resilient and mitigated constructions. Aerial mapping, then, pinpointed those areas prone to disaster, and often hit by flashfloods and landslides for future development works.

Emerging technology

Due to emerging technology in research and development, LiDAR was replaced by GIS, a state-of-the-art technology best used in construction due to its ability to centralize spatial data, enhance decision-making, and optimize resource allocation across all project phases.

A breakdown of GIS’s most impactful applications include: Site Analysis and Suitability Assessment; Infrastructure Design and Planning; Real-Time Project Management; Risk and Disaster Management; Resource and Cost Optimization; Environmental Impact Assessment; and Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement.

By integrating GIS with tools like drones and construction management software, teams achieve unparalleled transparency, efficiency, and cost savings. GIS significantly contributes to sustainable construction practices by enabling better planning, resource management, and environmental impact assessment. Here’s how: GIS allows for precise tracking of materials throughout a project’s lifecycle. This includes mapping material sources, tracking their movement on-site, and even identifying opportunities for reuse or recycling of materials from demolition. By knowing exactly where materials are located and their quantities, waste is minimized, and costs are reduced. This contributes to a circular economy, reducing the environmental impact of construction.

The Philippines is experiencing a growing movement towards sustainable construction practices. Several factors are driving this trend. Based on the heft of the foregoing premise, it is both legally sound and strategically necessary for the DPWH to standardize the integration of climate-resilient technologies in all public infrastructure projects by way issuance of Department Order or Memoranda Circulars to ensure consistent implementation across all project levels, and collaborate with academic, scientific, and international institutions to stay abreast of emerging technologies and best practices, Engr. Virgie G. Nayve, chief of Construction Division, DPWH-10, told the DAILY TRIBUNE in an exclusive interview.

“The use and further dissemination of climate-resilient DPWH technologies is in compliance with national mandates and international obligations and should be institutionalized for the long-tern sustainability and safety for infrastructure projects in the Philippines,” Engr. Nayve stated.

A 2023 report by Dodge Data & Analytics highlights the increasing demand for green buildings in the Asian market, with the Philippines identified as a high-growth area. This is fueled by rising awareness of environmental issues and a push for responsible construction.

Promoting green construction

Local organizations like the Philippine Chapter of the World Green Building Council and the Center for Renewable Energy Sources actively promote green construction principles and best practices. These groups provide guidance and resources to developers and construction companies.

Several Filipino developers are incorporating green features into their projects. Examples cited include the Veranda at Capitol Commons and Ayala Triangle Towers. These projects demonstrate a commitment to environmentally friendly construction.

Beyond individual buildings, the Philippines is also focusing on sustainable urbanization projects. These include initiatives for bulk water supply and treatment, affordable housing, mass transit systems, urban farms, parks and greenways, and waste-to-energy facilities. These large-scale projects aim to create more resilient and environmentally conscious cities .

Examples of specific eco-friendly design projects include the Cagbalete Sand Clusters, a mixed-use development incorporating sustainable materials and practices. This project highlights the integration of local context and sustainable tourism.

Embracing green technology

Philippine construction companies are actively adopting green technologies, including sustainable materials (bamboo, recycled steel), energy-efficient designs (solar panels, wind turbines), green building certifications (BERDE), waste reduction strategies and sustainable site development practices. These efforts represent a significant shift towards a more environmentally responsible construction industry.

The Philippines is seeing a rise in LEED-certified buildings and, notably, the first net-zero development, the Arthaland Century Pacific Tower. These projects demonstrate a commitment to energy efficiency and carbon neutrality .

The DPWH website further confirms the use of GIS through dedicated pages for geospatial right-of-way systems and detailed bridge inventories. This indicates a continued and expanding use of GIS technology within the department.

“The Department of Public Works and lighway DPWH is mandated to be government’s engineering and construction arm, primarily responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure, especiallv in the context of national development and environmental sustainability. In line with this mandate, the integration of climate-resilient technologies into public infrastructure projects is not only within the scope of the Department’s authority but also a necessary response to the country’s commitment under national laws and international agreements,” Engr. Nayve said.