March 29, 2024

The city council has recommended the repair of roads and creation of bike lanes in the city using asphalt concrete made of post-consumer plastic materials.

Through a resolution passed during the regular session on Dec. 7, the council has requested Mayor Benjamin Magalong to look into the possibility of entering into a partnership with San Miguel Corporation for the project’s realization.

Councilor Mylen Yaranon, main author of the resolution, highlighted the city government’s mission to revitalize the environment by taking the lead in efforts to intensify environmental protection, preservation, conversation, and replenishment of dwindling resources.

Yaranon said the indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste is one of the environmental woes confronting the city.

The proposal to turn plastic into concrete for the improvement of roads and construction of bike lanes seeks to minimize the accumulation of plastic waste in landfills.

Yaranon said partnering with SMC for the said project would greatly benefit the city.

In November 2019, SMC tested the use of plastic-mixed asphalt on a 1,500 square meter pilot site in General Trias, Cavite.

The test done by an independent testing lab was meant to find out if the road could withstand heavily loaded trucks and equipment.

The results revealed that the material exceeded the standards set by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon Ang recently announced that the company plans to work with local government units for the designation of bike lanes. – Jordan G. Habbiling