JICA promotes innovative and eco-friendly Japanese technology for slope protection

Addressing the demand for a simple yet effective technology to prevent soil erosion in the country, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) collaborated with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Takino Filter, Inc., a Japanese private company, to undertake a business verification survey project for Erosion Control and Vegetation Mat for Slope Protection in the Philippines.

Upon the successful conclusion of said survey project which began in 2022, Takino Filter’s unique technology proved to be more effective and sustainable compared to conventional methods, as the company presented during the project’s wrap-up seminar.

As the Philippines continues to empower economic growth by connecting cities, municipalities, provinces, and regions through the construction of various resilient and sustainable infrastructures such as railways, bridges, walkways, and roads, the country’s generally sloping geography usually influences the planning and routing of these projects. Because of this, the application of slope protection systems in sloping areas becomes an essential component to prevent erosion, landslides, and other forms of slope failure, which pose significant risks to people and nearby properties. We should be reminded that this country is ranked as the world’s most vulnerable country with many and frequent natural disasters.

To assist the Philippines in this regard, JICA introduces the Takino Filter technology as it is extremely effective in preventing massive erosion and failure of slopes caused by disasters. Takino Filter’s growing mat technology has been already used and verified in numerous applications throughout Japan, a country that, similar to the Philippines, is prone to landslides, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami, typhoons, and other natural phenomena that lay waste to vast tracts of terrain and create conditions that erode the soil and prevent regrowth of vegetation.

JICA will also share this technology with other concerned government agencies and local government units. After all, the Philippines is very familiar with the environmental damages that strong typhoons and other natural disasters can bring if the land is not properly nurtured and protected.

“JICA is proud to be a part of this endeavor to introduce Japanese technology to the Philippine society. Under the project, also small pilot project was conducted in Infanta, Quezon which aligned with Product Accreditation Scheme* of the DPWH-Bureau of Research and Standards (BRS). We

look forward to contributing to the realization of innovative and effective slope protection method, which is necessary for an eco-friendly, sustainable, and resilient economic development,” said JICA Senior Representative OSHIMA Jiro.

He further highlighted that the Japanese private sector is known for their brand of very reliable business and innovative ideas with social impacts. By bringing their business to countries like the Philippines, they create a win-win scenario where pressing development challenges are addressed, economics are boosted, and jobs are created, while foreign direct investment or Japanese companies’ business deployment will be ignited.

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* Product Accreditation Scheme : https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/sites/default/files/issuances/DO_189_S2002.pdf