Active slope protection system introduced in northern Iloilo

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Iloilo 3rd District Engineering Office has adopted the use of Active Protection System (APS) for its slope protection projects in various areas in northern Iloilo.

District Engineer Flordelis C. Enriquez said they have started using the APS in the construction of road slope protection structure along Iloilo East Coast Capiz Road, Barotac Viejo section, in the amount of P40.0 million with the length of 72.0 lineal meters, which is expected to be completed in October this year.

“This is the first time we apply the APS technology in our slope protection project in order to prevent soil erosion and rock fall as well as provide support to unstable slope in our roads,” Enriquez said.

“The first APS is implemented in the slope protection near our District Office, hence, it will not only provide safety among motorists but to the people residing in the area as well as our more than 100 employees, who pass the said slope every day,” she added.

“We are planning to use APS in all other slope protection projects we are implementing, for the safety of the motorists and passers-by and of the residents living near the slopes,” she further said.

Assistant District Engineer Renato H. Cogollo said Active Protection System (APS) is a new and convenient technique of slope protection, which does not need massive ground excavation, only saves time in the installation process. The technique is also eco-friendly since the system includes hydroseeding that has environmental benefit by retaining the form of the natural ground.

“The high tensile wire mesh will keep the soil and rock mass in place and prevents debris and rocks from falling, which can cause damage to infrastructure and passersby,” Cogollo said.

“The use of this slope protection system is in accordance with the Department Order No. 32, series of 2019, which refers to the DPWH amended standard specifications for protection systems for unstable slope,” he added. (DPWH-6/RPAIO)