DAVAO City is rapidly emerging as one of the most progressive cities in the country. High-rise commercial buildings, condominiums, and high-end and social housing developments are appearing throughout the Davao Region—clear evidence of the city’s ongoing construction boom.
As a result, the demand for hollow blocks is projected to increase significantly by 5% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2032. In response to this growing demand, a circular economy initiative aimed at recycling recovered plastic waste from the city’s coastline and riverbanks into eco-friendly concrete hollow blocks and paver bricks is expected to thrive in the marketplace.
Although there are no substantial records indicating the demand ratio of hollow concrete blocks in Davao City, it is estimated that the city requires a minimum of 30,000 pieces per day, with demand projected to increase by approximately 5% annually until 2032.
On March 27, 2025, the Bantay Dagat Volunteers Association of Davao officially launched its innovative project titled “Production of Construction Materials: An Innovative Technology of Plastic Waste Facilities Through Sustainable Plastic 3R Enterprise Development in Davao City”. This initiative, amounting to ₱1,500,000.00, is funded under the Dole Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) and involves the acquisition of a Semi-Automatic Concrete Hollow Blocks and Paver Bricks Making Machine. The project aims to establish a recycling facility to process marine litter into construction materials.
Through this project, plastic waste will be transformed into high-quality construction materials using advanced and eco-friendly technologies. By leveraging the 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) approach, the project not only mitigates environmental pollution but also fosters local enterprise development and job creation.
Implemented in collaboration with key stakeholders and community partners, this initiative serves as a model for integrating sustainable practices with livelihood enhancement. It exemplifies how communities can take proactive steps toward environmental conservation while generating economic opportunities for residents.
The launching event was graced by the presence of Ms. Iza Beth C. Villareal, Labor and Employment Officer III and Livelihood Focal of the Davao City Field Office, along with Ms. Marry Glocel C. Cantones, and Mr. Eugene C. Cain, Livelihood Development Specialists.
Demonstrating unwavering dedication and active involvement, the association’s officers and members took part in the event, led by their President, Mr. Rafael E. Bermejo. Their collective efforts and enthusiasm marked a promising beginning for the project’s successful implementation.
The Bantay Dagat Volunteers Association of Davao is the community partner of the Healthy Oceans and Clean Cities Initiative (HOCCI)—a project funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). This initiative pioneers efforts to localize the National Plan of Action on Marine Litter (NPOA-ML), with the primary goal of reducing marine plastic pollution in Philippine waters and facilitating the establishment of the Plastic 3R Pilot Project.
Based on the gaps and challenges identified through the situational analysis of the city and target areas, the primary goal of this pilot project is to enhance resource efficiency by avoiding, reducing, and diverting 32 percent of plastic waste collected from the target area—equivalent to 47 tons per year—through sustainable Plastic 3R Enterprise Development.
The 2025 National Women’s Month Celebration highlights the importance of inclusive progress, striving to ensure that no woman is left behind on the path to equal opportunities and empowerment. This year’s celebration serves as a powerful reminder of the collective commitment to advancing gender equality and uplifting women from all walks of life. PR
