WITH the rapid infrastructure development in the country, there is a need to also consider its sustainability, a government official said.
"We have to incorporate environmental sustainability in designing our infrastructure," Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary for planning and public-private partnership (PPP) Maria Catalina Cabral said in an interview on Friday, September 7, during the Philconstruct Mindanao opening at SM Lanang Premier, Davao City.
Cabral added that there is an existing stereotype with the infrastructure industry in threatening the environmental conditions in the country and this 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," Cabral said.
She also underscored the importance of following the enacted Philippine Green Building Code of the DPWH for constructing buildings and huge infrastructures.
Cabral said sustainability must be the goal. She has been talking to the city engineer of Davao and learned the city 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," Cabral said.
She also added the future generation of young Dabawenyos must be considered in creating development in the environment. Cabral said she does not approve on building infrastructure which does not benefit the young Filipinos who will later on use these facilities.
"The construction sector must head to the path where sustainability and development can coexist," Cabral said.