Manila, May 19 -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has approved the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic bottle wastes as additive to enhance stability and extend the lifespan of asphalt-paved national roads.

"Turning waste into valuable resource for building better and more roads is the future of public infrastructure development in the country," DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said in a statement on Monday. "The public can expect more of these policies as we vow to continue to fund this construction innovation."

Bonoan signed a department order (DO) on the standard specification for the use of plastic waste material dubbed as Item 310 (19) or the bituminous concrete surface course with PET plastic bottle wast...