The Challenge

A segment of the Surigao–Davao Coastal Road, a major national highway connecting Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental, runs along steep and high slopes near Tagudanao, Davao Oriental. The combination of steep terrain and frequent heavy rainfall made this portion of the road highly susceptible to erosion and slope instability, posing risks to road users and threatening long-term road safety. Ensuring the stability of both the roadway and the adjacent slopes required an engineered and durable solution.

The Solution

Maccaferri Philippines (MPI) provided design and technical assistance for a robust slope protection system. The solution included the construction of Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls reinforced with geogrids and combined with erosion control mats for long-term stability. Specifically, Terramesh® Light was used for wall facing, MacGrid® WG provided reinforcement, and MacMat® R1 005 protected exposed slopes from erosion caused by heavy rainfall and surface runoff. This integrated system offered a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional retaining walls, concrete structures, or gravity-type solutions.

The Result

Construction began and was successfully completed in 2025. The engineered solution now provides a strong, durable, and economical system that prevents erosion, improves slope stability, and ensures the safety of road users. By reinforcing the slopes along this critical highway segment, MPI helped safeguard regional connectivity and support safe mobility, trade, and tourism between Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental.