Sustainability Amidst the Infrastructure Boom

According to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary for Planning and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Maria Catalina Cabral, sustainability should also be considered amidst the rapid infrastructure development in the country.

“We have to incorporate environmental sustainability in designing our infrastructure,” Cabral said in an interview during the Philconstruct Mindanao opening at SM Lanang Premier, Davao City.

She also mentioned that the existing stereotype that the infrastructure industry poses a threat to the environmental conditions in the country must be addressed immediately.

“However, with this rapid development always comes with a price, the building and construction industry has always been branded to impose negative impacts to the natural environment,” said Cabral.

The undersecretary also emphasized the importance of following the enacted Philippine Green Building Code of the DPWH when it comes to the construction of buildings and other infrastructure.

Leading the way

Cabral also mentioned that Davao has been following plans in creating greener and sustainable infrastructure.

“For example, we must use indigenous materials, locally available. Use proper lighting, like LED (light-emitting diode). Use locally available materials so that we don’t have to import as much as possible. There are so many ways to make sure we don’t destroy the environment,” said Cabral.

She then concluded that the young Dabawenyos and the future generation must always be considered when creating development in the environment.

“The construction sector must head to the path where sustainability and development can coexist,” said Cabral.

City of the future

Apart from Davao, a Northern city is also gearing up to be the Philippines’ greenest city: New Clark City. Its advantage? It’s only being built now, and developers have every chance to get things right.

via SunStar Davao / Gilford A. Doquila