NEWS ROUND-UP
The construction industry remains bullish as its growth has surpassed the five-year boom-and-bust cycle. “Usually, there is a five-year boom in the construction sector before it experiences a downtrend again,” said Morris S. Agoncillo, first vice-president of the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) and overall chairman of the Philippine Construction Show 2013 (PhilConstruct). Mr. Agoncillo, who was in the city on Sept. 5 for the opening of the three-day 4th PhilConstruct Mindanao at SMX Lanang, said that the construction boom has been going on for 10 years now, and there are no signs of the sector slowing down. “There is a boom, not just in Davao, but in the whole country, and we do not see the trend slowing down considering the number of projects being bidded out,” he said. Ramon F. Allado, PhilConstruct Mindanao event chairman, said that this growth is not even at its peak. “We are giving this growth three more years,” Mr. Allado said. “I cannot remember in the past something of this magnitude,” he added, referring to Mindanao’s construction growth. He cited how Davao firms are experiencing a shortage of skilled workers because of the huge demand. Major developments in this city include both vertical projects, such as highrise condominiums, and horizontal, or residential subdivision development as
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Construction industry sees growth past boom-and-bust cycle
well as the construction of more hotels and shopping malls. Mindanao Business Council President Vicente T. Lao said that PhilConstruct has made it possible for Mindanaoans to avail of new innovations in construction technology without going to Manila and incurring additional cost. Mr. Lao said that Manila’s construction growth capitalizes on the P17 billion remittances of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who buy properties with the belief that this is an ideal way of investing, instead of sending their money to families who might just spend on unnecessary items. “Anybody who can tap on the OFW funds can make good money, and that’s not just the construction sector but even SM shopping malls, which made sure that their foreign exchange rates are higher, even by a cent compared with others, in order to capture the OFW remittance market,” Mr. Lao said. Mr. Allado said that an informal survey three years ago showed that there are 10,000 OFWs from Davao alone. “If we can tap into this market, then we can ensure the
continuous growth of the local economy,” he added. Mr. Allado said that PhilConstruct organizers expect hardware sales receipts of at least P10 million during the construction show, which ends Sept. 7. This is even a “safe” estimate considering that there are 20 heavy equipment suppliers participating in the exhibit. This year’s PhilConstruct, organizers claim, brings innovative construction products never before seen in previous shows. Among those specifically mentioned are LED lighting, single-phased welding machines with 200 amperes, new-generation cutters for steel structures and energyefficient air conditioners with solar power features. Mr. Allado said that there are 82 companies participating in this year’s PhilConstruct trade fair and exhibit, occupying 286 booths and 2,576 square meters of space at the SMX Convention Center. While last year’s event here gathered 6,502 visitors, the organizers expect 25% more this year. Based on story by Carmencita A. Carillo
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Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital
8 | Philippine Construction&Design November - December 2013
Cagayan de Oro City is home to a new premier hospital that not only boast of first-class medical facilities but also promotes environment conservation. Maria Reyna Xavier University Hospital is using SEDNA AIRE SOLAR AIRCON to cool the rooms in their new hospital building. This spells huge energy savings for them while delivering quality health service to their patients.