In pursuance to the mandate of Executive Order No. 124 dated January 30, 1987 this Department in coordination with other agencies and private entities is engaged in continuing researches on the use of indigenous materials waste/recycled materials and by-products in infrastructure projects aimed at costs saving as well as in the adoption of new products to achieve greater efficiency in construction and/or lengthen the life span of constructed projects.

Part of the research activities is the conduct and evaluation of at least three (3) but preferably six (6), pilot projects or long-term endurance tests after passing the basic tests.  However the efforts along this line are oftentimes miscarried or delayed because of the lack of logistics necessary to pursue the minimum number of pilot projects or long term endurance tests before conclusive guidelines could be formulated as basis for field applications.

Therefore in order not to disrupt the implementation of prioritized research projects, and at the same time keep this Department abreast with new products/latest technology in infrastructure, the following guidelines are hereby directed for implementation by all concerned:

1.       For a New Product submitted by a proponent which had passed the theoretical and laboratory tests conducted by the Bureau of Research and Standards (BRS), the first and second long-term endurance tests shall be at the expense of the product proponent; thereafter, if the results of the aforesaid tests are acceptable, expenses may be borne by the Department if need for the product by the Department is acute or well defined.  For this purpose, endurance tests to be shouldered by the Department is acute or well defined. For this purpose, endurance tests to be shouldered by the Department can be included as a "rider" in projects to be undertaken by administration.

2.       For Indigenous Materials, Waste/Recycled Materials and By-Products being researched on by the BRS/other DPWH units, all pilot projects to be conducted may be at the expense of the Department.  For this purpose, the pilot project/s can be included as "rider" in projects under contract; provided, that the pilot project section is identified and is specifically described in the scope of work specifications and in the contract in order not to prejudice the work of the contractor.

3.       In both cases, the BRS shall determine the project/s where the endurance test/pilot project shall be conducted: provided, that the project where the test/pilot project is to be conducted is included in the approved DPWH Infrastructure Program.  Further, the implementation of the pilot project/s shall be supervised by the BRS in coordination with the implementing office.

For guidance.

Adopted: 02 Feb. 1990

(SGD.) FIORELLO R. ESTUAR
Secretary

Effective: 20 February 1990