DPWH holds nationwide consultations to upgrade road maintenance manual

In a move to strengthen regional collaboration and improve road upkeep nationwide, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has launched a series of consultations to update the Philippine Highway Maintenance Management Manual (PHMMM).

Now on its fourth leg, the DPWH is conducting simultaneous consultation meetings across the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and Regions 1, 2, and 3 from May 14 to 16, 2025. The initiative forms part of the Marcos administration’s Build Better More infrastructure program.

Led by the DPWH Bureau of Maintenance (BOM), each three-day session is designed to gather firsthand insights and technical recommendations from Regional and District Engineering Offices. The aim is to ensure that the revised PHMMM remains relevant, region-specific, and aligned with national standards for road maintenance.

Previous consultations held in the National Capital Region, as well as Regions 4A, 4B, and 5, addressed local concerns and field realities, laying the foundation for a more comprehensive and inclusive manual revision.

In a report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, BOM Director Gene Ryan Altea emphasized the importance of adapting the manual to regional differences and rapid urban growth. “Given the evolving challenges brought about by regional conditions and urban development, it is crucial to update our maintenance standards to effectively address current needs and anticipate future demands,” Altea said during the Region 3 session.

The DPWH expects that active participation from regional and district maintenance engineers will result in a clearer, more practical manual — one that will support engineering professionals and field personnel in delivering consistent and high-quality road maintenance across the country.