PC&D May-June 2014 issue #12

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PHILIPPINE

THE MAGAZINE FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS VOL. 1. No. 12 MAY - JUNE 2014

PICE President Engr. David G. Sanchez:

Compassion for Professional Service Threats to Philippines Tall Buildings Continuing the Mañosa legacy Construction Insurance and its Benefits

Treading the path least taken in Architecture Nippon Paints (Coatings) enters Philippine market May - June 2014 Philippine Construction&Design

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contents Issue No. 12 -2014

CONSTRUCTION NEWS Calendar of Events

May-June 2014 .......................................................................

News Roundup

15 PPP projects to roll out ...........................................

03 04

34

Special Construction News Features

World’s largest concrete pour .......................................... 12

Architectural News Features

KL Equator Tower wrapped in fully retractable PTFE coated glass fiber ............................ 13

30

News Features

Proposed Tallest Building in Malaysia Begins Construction ............................................................. 14 Life Begins At 27

Association, Organizations and Companies

PCA donates laptops to UP Tacloban students .................................................................. 16

26

International Report

Building expo to showcase eco-friendly technologies .............................................................................. 18

36

FEATURES Industry Report

Threats to Philippines’ Tall Buildings ...................... 26

40

Cover Story

PICE President Engr. David G. Sanchez: Compassion for Professional Service ........................ 30

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

Project Report-Private

Risk Management

Architect Profile

Products & Technology

Continuing the Treading the path least taken in Architecture ...................................................................... 34 Continuing the Treading the path least taken in Architecture......................................................................... 36

Supplier’s Profile

Nippon Paints (Coatings) enters Philippine market ......................................................................... 40

Construction Insurance and its Benefits ....................................................................................................... 42

scs Model Electronic Truck Scales ...............................

44

Price Movement

Year-on-Year and Month-on-Month Growth Rates of Construction Materials Retail Price Index: March 2014 and February 2014 ................................. 49

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Construction & Design P hi l ippi n e

The Magazine for Construction Professionals

Publisher :

William L. Ogan

Executive Publisher :

Josette Adiong

Business Development Associate :

Rochelle Cuevas

Editorial Editor in Chief :

William Ogan

Contributing Editor : Ed Velasco Choy Gaerlan

Ma. Nenevetch Reyes

Rizal Raoul Reyes

Graphic Artist

Anabelle Flores

:

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Local Events Mixed-Use Development 2014 May 7-8, 2014 Organiser: Trueventus Sdn Bhd Venue: Ascott Makati, Manila Contact person: Sandy Beh Call us on: -603-2781 1500 (ext 510) Email: sandyb@trueventus.com Website: http://www.trueventsglobalinformation.com/ CONTRAMKTG/MXD_PCD_PH.pdf Mixed-Use Development conference allows you an interactive and learning platform to ask industry leaders about their winning approaches and methods; and how they overcame the many reoccurring issues within an MXD context. Covering all types of developments, from horizontal and vertical, we will also be looking into all aspects of a mixed-use, covering not only retail and residential but office, commercial, hospitality and industrial as well. Philippine Building and Construction Exposition May 22-25, 2014, Venue: Cebu International Convention Center Location: Mandaue City Philippine Building & Construction Exposition is a B2B trade show known to be the ultimate platform where the attendees can come across a wide and comprehensive range of building and construction equipments, materials and services. Engineering Forum: Taking the Challenge of Designing for the Future May 28, 2014 Time: 9am Venue: Luxent Hotel, Timog, QC To register, contact us at (02) 926 2216 or send email to vtsmarketing@vtsphil.com PhilConstruct Visayas June 5 -7, 2014 Venue: Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino Location: Cebu City 5th Visayas International Construction Equipment, Building Materials, Interior & Exterior Products Exhibition. Also incorporated in the event is the 5th Visayas International Heating, Ventilating, Airconditioning, Refregerating, Pumps, Valves and Pipes, Filtration and Purification Technology Exhibition.

International Events Missouri Concrete Conference May 6 – 7, 2014 Venue: Rolla, Location: MO United States Missouri University of Science and Technology will host the annual Missouri Concrete Conference May 6-7 in the Havener Center on campus. Conference registration is $135 per person. Conference presentations will include: Type I-L cement, Flyash concerns, Roller-compacted concrete, Full-depth reclamation, What’s new in admixtures, Improving the durability and service life of bridge decks and pavements using internal curing, New concrete labs at Missouri S&T, and much more.

Organizers say the conference will be of interest to contractors, public agencies, consulting engineers, testing labs, aggregate producers, equipment technical representatives, and ready mix, cement and admixture suppliers. SAMOTER 2014 May 8 – 11, 2014 Venue: Verona Location: Italy The Samoter 29th International Triennial Earth Moving and Building Machinery Exhibition will be joined by Asphaltica, the event focusing on asphalt industry, equipment, technologies and road safety. International Concrete Sustainability Conference May 12 – 15, 2014 Venue: Cambridge Location: MA United States The 9th annual conference will provide the latest advances, technical knowledge, continuing research and solutions for sustainable concrete manufacturing and construction. The conference will be followed by the 2014 MIT Concrete Industry Day May 15. Project Qatar May 12 - 15, 2014 Venue: Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) Location: Doha, Qatar Organized by IFP Group, the leading trade fair organizer in the Middle East, Project Qatar, the International Trade Construction, Building, Environmental Technology and Materials Exhibition, will be back for its 11th edition this year. 2013 marked the 10th anniversary of the event which hosted 2,100 local and international exhibitors from 50 countries spread across 62,000 sqm of indoor and outdoor exhibition space. Project Qatar is held concurrently with Qatar Stone Tech, The 3rd International Stone and Stone Technology Show/Heavy Max, the 11th International Exhibition for Heavy Machinery/ Lighting-Tech Qatar/HVAC-Tech Qatar Qatar Stone-Tech: May 12 - 15, 2014 Venue: Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) Location: Doha, Qatar Held concurrently with Project Qatar 2014, Qatar Stone-Tech, 3rd International Stone and Stone Technology Show, is organized in collaboration with Veronafiere, the organizer of Marmomacc, and Confindustria Marmomacchine, to showcase the best worldwide production techniques and innovative technologies, as well as the capabilities of natural stone and stone materials in architecture, design and construction. Heavy Max: May 12 - 15, 2014 Venue: Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) Location: Doha, Qatar The 11th International Exhibition for Heavy Machinery attracts a massive number of worldwide manufacturers and suppliers’ leading brands. Heavy Max showcases the latest cutting-edge construction machinery, equipment, systems and materials and is an ideal platform to meet the demands of a

billion-dollar-value construction market. Lighting Tech: May 12 - 15, 2014 Venue: Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) Location: Doha, Qatar Running alongside the annual Project Qatar exhibition, LightingTech Qatar 2014 is a lighting conference targeting designers, specifiers, construction professionals as well as government officials in Qatar. This timely event is brought to you as Qatar gears up for FIFA 2022’s extensive infrastructure requirements whilst working towards achieving ambitious nationwide sustainability standards in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. HVAC Tech: May 12 - 15, 2014 Venue: Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) Location: Doha, Qatar Running concurrently with the 11th annual edition of Project Qatar 2014, HVACTech Qatar will provide a specialised forum for the local Qatari, Gulf and regional market to address the latest opportunities and challenges in the HVAC and cooling industries and will showcase the latest technological solutions available, within the framework of local and regional market conditions and the developing regulatory environment. IE Expo May 20-22, 2014 Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Center Location: China For more information call (632) 845-1324 | 7596680 or send email to cahea@eccp.com Electrical Energy storage June 4 – 6, 2014 Venue: Messe Munchen Location: Munich, Germany For more information call (632) 845-1324 | 7596680 or send email to cahea@eccp.com Civil Infrastructure & Technology Exhibition 2014(CITE) June 2014 Venue: Earls Court, Location: London, UK CITE will focus on infrastructure, civil engineering, energy, geotechnical, tunnelling, waste, water and utilities, while Infrarail will focus on rail infrastructure. Future Interiors Qatar September 8 - 9, 2014 Location: Doha, Qatar A specialized interiors conference addressing balancing design, sustainability and innovation throughout the planning, development and fitout phases to deliver excellence in interior design and construction Electronica and Productronica India September 23-25, 2014 Venue: Bangalore International Exhibition Center Location: Bengaluru, India. For more information call (632) 845-1324 | 759-6680 or send email to cahea@eccp.com

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NEWS ROUND-UP

The $115.56-million Integrated Transport System-Southwest Terminal Project is one of the 15 projects under the PPP program that the government plans to roll out over the next 12 months. PHOTO FROM PPP.GOV.PH

15 PPP projects to roll out The government plans to roll out 15 projects worth a combined $14 billion (or roughly P630 billion), under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) program over the next 12 months, PPP Center executive director Cosette Canilao announced recently. “The reason why we’re putting word out on the market that we’re rolling out these projects in the next 12 months would be so that investors could already group or find consortium members, and by showing them the estimated project costs, they know that they will have to make [a reasonable] offer,” she explained. Canilao made a presentation of the PPP projects before local businessmen and a French investment delegation led by Medef International. The bidding process for the projects, which are in varying stages, might start in a month or two up to the first quarter of 2015, she added. Canilao identified the 15 projects as the $542.22-million Bulacan bulk water supply project; the $417.33 million New Centennial Water Supply source project; the operation and maintenance of the LRT Line 2; the $6.03-billion Integrated Luzon Railway Project Phase 1; the $3-billion Mass Transit System Loop; the $353.78-million operation and maintenance contract for the

Laguindingan Airport, and a $52-million operation and maintenance contract for the New Bohol (Panglao) airport. Also included in the list were the $71.13-million operation and maintenance contract for the Puerto Princesa airport; the $476.39 million operation and maintenance contract for the Davao airport; the $208.98-million operation and maintenance contract for the Bacolod airport; the $322.34-million operation and maintenance contract for the Iloilo airport; the $895.33 million regional prison facilities in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; the $115.56-million Integrated Transport System Project Southwest Terminal; the $313.16-million Motor Vehicle Inspection System, and the $1.44-billion Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike project. The Bulacan Bulk Water Supply project, which will be implemented in three phases, will supply treated water to 24 municipalities of Bulacan, while the New Centennial Water Supply Source Project aims to increase Metro Manila’s raw water supply with the construction of the Kaliwa Dam and the Water Conveyance Tunnel. The integrated Luzon railway project aims to revitalize the entire length of the state-run Philippine National Railway (PNR), while the Mass Transit Loop will connect the fast-

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developing Bonifacio Global City, Makati Central Business District and the Mall of Asia area in Pasay City. Contracts for the airports (Laguindingan, Bohol, Puerto Princesa, Davao, Bacolod and Iloilo) will give to the private sector including the operation, maintenance and commercial management of the facilities, as well as future investments for capacity expansion The regional prison facilities project will entail the construction and maintenance of a state-of-the-art prison facility in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija; while the Integrated Transport System Project Southwest Terminal aims to provide a central transport terminal where all modes of transport will be available in one location. The Motor Vehicle Inspection System is intended to be the national network of Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (MVICs) using automated inspection methods that will be linked to the information system of the Land Transportation Office, while the Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike will provide a high standard highway-cum-dike with a proposed alignment that runs 500 meters away but following the shoreline of the Laguna Lake. Amy R. Remo/ Philippine Daily Inquirer


Senator Bam Aquino seeks probe of ‘substandard’ steel bars

Senator Bam Aquino The Senate was urged by Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV to investigate the alleged rampant selling of substandard steel products in the country. Substandard and inferior steel bars is largely to be blamed for the huge number of casualties in the magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Bohol and Cebu last year according to Aquino. Aquino, chairman of the Senate

ADB to fight corruption A record of 250 complaints of corruption in 2013, up from 240 in 2012, was received by the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB’s) Office of Anti-corruption and Integrity (OAI). Most of these came from external stakeholders. OA head, Clare Wee said, “Fraud related to work experience, qualifications, and technical and financial capacities of consulting firms or consultants continues to be the most common type of integrity violation reported to OAI.” The OAI investigated 239 cases in 2013 and closed 76. There were sanctions against 30 individuals and 30 companies, and as part of an agreement between ADB and four other multilateral development banks, some 324 entities were cross-debarred from ADB work due to wrongdoing on projects funded by other banks. The number of sanctions levied by the ADB was down on 2012, when it took action against 42 companies and 38 individuals. However, the number of crossdebarments was up sharply; in 2012, the ADB cross-debarred only 108 individuals and companies. Last year also saw the ADB increase its work on Project Procurement-Related Reviews (PPRRs), which are a series of initiatives to inspect project outcomes, internal controls, irregularities and noncompliance. The ADB says such schemes can mitigate against the risks of fraud and corruption, and protect project funds from improper use. It conducted seven PPRRs in 2013. Chris Sleigh

Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, said he was able to visit devastated areas in a recent trip to several areas in Bohol. “Hundreds of lives were lost because of substandard and inferior steel products used in houses and other infrastructure,” Aquino said. Aquino said experts from the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI) have blamed the extensive use of low-quality steel in the two provinces. He said a technical team deployed by PISI discovered that there is widespread use of substandard bars and angle bars in the construction of residential houses and public structures such as public markets and bridges. “Selling substandard steel is a question of greed and a question of corruption,” said the neophyte senator. Earlier, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) confiscated P24 million worth of smuggled steel from China at the Manila port. Hannah Torregoza

A case against WT Construction over the disappearance of trees on S. Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City is to be filed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7. The DENR 7 issued a cease and desist order to prevent the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 7 and WT Construction, the contractor of the road project, from earth-balling the remaining trees in the area. In the order, the DENR 7 said DPWH and its contractor violated conditions in their agreement over the earth-balling of 143 trees along S. Osmeña Blvd. Footages taken by closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the area show that WT Construction personnel were the ones who removed about 88 trees on the center island on S. Osmeña Blvd., from Pier 4 to Pier 6. Cebu City Councilor Nida Cabrera said DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) forest management chief forester Raul Pasoc disclosed in a closed-door meeting that the department will sue WT Construction for allegedly violating environmental laws. Those found responsible for the disappearance of the trees will be charged violating Republic Act 3571 and Presidential

Decree 953, which prohibits the cutting of trees and other shrubbery in public places, DENR 7 spokesperson Eddie Llamedo said. Cabrera, chairperson of the committee on environment, said the DENR hopes to file the case on Monday. Llamedo said Cenro personnel were still looking for the trees. Cabrera said the Parks and Playgrounds Commission supports the filing of the case as the trees were planted and owned by the City Government. City Councilor Dave Tumulak said he will submit the footages from the CCTV cameras to Mayor Michael Rama. Based on the video, Tumulak said the removal of trees started last March 26 until March 31. It was done at night and the center island was also flattened with a backhoe. Rama said he was surprised by the disappearance of the trees because these were supposed to be earth-balled and transplanted to Plaza Independencia and the Senior Citizens’ Park. If the trees are not found, Cabrera urged DPWH 7 to replace the missing trees with 8,800 seedlings that will be planted in areas that will be identified by the DENR. Jujemay G. Awit, Justin K. Vestil and Princess Dawn H. Felicitas/ Sun Star

www.veooz.com

DENR 7 to sue road repair

Photo source: sunstar-cebu

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Typhoon reconstructions raise spending 45% Infrastructure public spending rose by nearly half in January as the government financed reconstruction efforts in areas affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) noted that government disbursements accelerated in January despite the absence of election-related spending after last year’s mid-term polls. “What’s particularly notable is that we were able to ramp up expenditures to levels that would have been expected of election season, and we’re definitely a good way off from that,” Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said. As of January, expenditures for infrastructure and other capital outlay surged to P23.8 billion, a P7.4-billion or 45.1-percent increase from the P16.4 billion

As of January, expenditures for infrastructure and other capital outlay surged to P23.8 billion, a P7.4-billion or 45.1-percent increase from the P16.4 billion recorded in the same month last year. INQUIRER recorded in the same month last year. Overall, total national government expenditures likewise registered a P25.1billion, or 15.9-percent, increase to P183 billion from P157.9 billion in January 2013. “Front-loading of expenditures in the first semester fits very well with our goal of sustaining the country’s growth trajectory this year,” Abad said.

The DBM said spending for infrastructure and other capital outlay was buoyed by the various projects of the departments of public works and highways and of transportation and communications as well as the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the Department of Health (DOH). Paolo G. Montecillo/ Philippine Daily Inquirer

www.directory.ucanews.com

Alternative churches to be built in Bohol

Bishop Leonardo Yuzon Medroso

While the reconstruction efforts in the quake-stricken province continue, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) announced that approximately 15 “alternative churches” are expected to rise in Bohol in the coming months. Bishop Leonardo Medroso said the make-shift places of worships will be able to accommodate about 800 to 1,000 parishioners. “The building of 15 initial places of worship is underway and is expected to be finished before the year ends,” CBCP-Committee for the Cultural Heritage of the Church executive secretary Fr. Milan Ted Torralba said the alternative churches will be built within the grounds of some churches ravaged by the magnitude-7.2 earthquake, which devastated most parts of Bohol last year. “This will be built within the parish complex. We can’t construct anywhere. We need to buy the lot to do that,” Torralba said. About 30 churches, including 10 heritage churches, in Bohol were destroyed during the quake. Medroso said each of the alternative churches will temporarily serve local parishioners in the affected areas until reconstruction of the ruined churches could be finished. The Bishop admitted it will still take a long time before the reconstruction operations are completed. “At the moment, they are still clearing the destroyed heritage churches and it will take more careful studies on the materials, which will be used to reconstruct the massive churches,” Medroso said. He, however, disclosed they were already able to secure the funds and support from the national government to begin rebuilding the destroyed churches. Samuel Medenilla

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DPWH to release P475M for Cebu schools A total of P475 million for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 118 schools in northern Cebu, which were damaged by super typhoon Yolanda last November, has been allocated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) according to Rep. Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu, 4th district). In DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson’s letter to Salimbangon, Singson said the repair, rehabilitation and construction of school buildings in areas devastated by Yolanda is the DPWH’s priority this summer. These include schools in Bogo City and in the towns of Medellin, Tabogon, San Remigio, Tabuelan. Daanbantayan, Bantayan, Sta. Fe and Madridejos. Singson told Salimbangon the design and estimated costs for the schools are being finalized by DPWH’s Bureau of Design/Consultants and by representatives of the Department of Education. The agreement is expected to be reached soon. Speaking before the 888 News Forum at Marco Polo Plaza, Salimbangon said the release of the funds is timely because once classes in public schools close, the rehabilitation and reconstruction can start immediately. He said that they’ve had several discussions about the matter with the Presidential Assistance and Recovery (PAR) under former senator Panfilo Lacson. He also said the National Housing Authority will provide P15 million for housing projects in Bantayan Island, while PAR will provide P50 million for housing projects in the northern towns in mainland Cebu. “We have already agreed that PAR will help… by way of initially providing them with galvanized iron sheets

DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson’s for roofing and plywood. Hopefully, these will be delivered soon,” he said. Elias O. Baquero/Sun Star

www.philstar.com

Calax tollway bids postponed

Bidding submission deadline of the 47-kilometer Cavite-Laguna Expressway (Calax) public private partnership deal has been delay by a month to May 21, according to a formal announcement by The Department of Public Works and Highways. The delay was due to bidders’ requests “for more time to study and finalize the changes to the concession agreement, the minimum performance standards and specifications,” according to a bid bulletin. There are four groups vying for the P35.4-billion project, which aims to decongest traffic along the Cavite-Laguna road network and reduce travel time to and from Metro Manila. These are MTD Philippines, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., San Miguel Corp. and the tandem of the Ayala and Aboitz groups. Earlier, Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Rafael Yabut said the bid submission deadline would likely be moved, but he said they still intended to keep the construction timeline. The DPWH is expecting construction of the Calax to start in

October next year with completion seen in September 2017. It will start from the Manila-Cavite Expressway in Kawit, Cavite, and end at the SLEx-Mamplasan interchange in Biñan, Laguna. MTD Philippines Isaac David, who used to head that company that operates the South Luzon Expressway in Metro Manila, said previously that bids were typically evaluated using the lowest toll fee, which would also benefit motorists more. “The lower the toll fee, the more affordable it will be to motorists and therefore more volume of vehicles,” David said. “As a concessionaire, lowest toll fee is preferred than lowest VGF [viability fund gap].” David said a Greenfield project like Calax required subsidies to be feasible, which he added was confirmed by DPWH studies. He noted that the government appeared to be hoping to avoid spending the P5-billion subsidy allocated for the PPP project. Bidders offering a premium, instead of asking for a subsidy, were more likely to bag the project. —Miguel R. Camus/ Philippine Daily Inquirer

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GMR-Megawide awarded MactanCebu airport project

said that GMR Infrastructure Limited of India had violated a conflict of interest prohibition in the instructions given to prospective bidders. GMR-Megawide has offered the Philippine Government P14.4 billion up front to handle the MCIA project. This premium is on top of the estimated P17.5 billion needed to renovate the existing terminal and build a new passenger terminal. The contract will also cover the management of both terminals and all landside facilities of the airport, including commercial spaces, for 25 years. Only the SC can, by issuing a TRO, stop the project, according to DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. He had also confirmed that the MCIAA Board was scheduled to convene on Friday, once the PBAC had submitted a resolution on the bidding. Secretary Abaya, in last Thursday’s press conference, said there were “remedies available” to any losing bidder who wants to question the BAC’s recommendation. He also said, as part of his speech during the inauguration of the Pier 1 Passenger Terminal of the Cebu Port Authority, DOTC did its best to keep the playing field level. Questions on GMR-Megawide’s capability to handle the Mactan airport

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www.philstar.com

The GMR-Megawide consortium was awarded the Mactan airport development and management contract by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC). The Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) Board convened at the DOTC in Manila and awarded the project, based on the recommendation of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) chaired by Undersecretary Jose Perpetuo Lotilla. GMR-Megawide confirmed the awarding in a press statement, in which it thanked the DOTC for “concluding a fair and transparent bid process in a highly professional manner. We are delighted to be awarded the MCIA project. We firmly believe that the GMRMegawide consortium has the right credentials and capabilities to undertake this prestigious project and deliver a world-class airport that Cebuanos and Filipinos will be proud of,” said Michael Cosiquien, chairman and CEO of Megawide Construction Corp. Just a day before the awarding, Senator Sergio Osmeña III asked the Supreme Court (SC) to stop the DOTC and MCIAA from issuing a notice of award and a concession agreement to GMR-Megawide. Osmeña told the SC that he disagreed with the DOTC’s decision to consider GMRMegawide a qualified bidder. The senator

project were previously raised by the second highest bidder, the consortium of Filinvest Development Corp. and Changi Airports. Their bid was P13.99 billion. Other bidders for the Aquino administration’s first public-private partnership for an airport included SM, the consortium of Metro Pacific Investments Corp and JG Summit, San Miguel-Incheon and First Philippine Airports Consortium. In his petition, Osmeña pointed out that First Philippine Airports includes Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad, whose managing director, Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad bin Abdul Majid, also serves as a director in two subsidiaries of GMR. He said the prohibition against conflict of interest “should be strictly applied.” The allegations Osmeña raised in his petition to the SC are the same ones he made in a privilege speech last February 25, 2014. “The PBAC illegally refused to disqualify the GMR-Megawide Consortium in the face of unrefuted evidence of GMR’s poor financial health and track record in its international airport operations,” Osmeña told the Court. GMR-Megawide no longer referred to the allegations in its statement on Friday. “We believe that our strategic plan will result in the delivery of a very efficient, passenger-oriented and commercially sustainable airport that will provide the required capacity to meet significant growth through the redevelopment of the existing terminal and construction of a brand new terminal within three years,” said Srinivas Bommidala, chairman of the airports sector in GMR Infrastructure. “Going forward, the GMR-Megawide consortium will be closely collaborating with Cebu-based as well as international architects and designers to develop the project. “The bidding for the Mactan airport project has run for 15 months; the invitation to pre-qualify and bid was published in December 2012. EOB/With IDA/Sun.Star Cebu


San Miguel proposes $ 10 billion airport project A $10-billion alternative international airport serving Metro Manila is being proposed by San Miguel Corp. (SMC) to President Aquino. The government separately pursues a similar project at a former US naval base in Sangley Point, Cavite. SMC president Ramon S. Ang confirmed reports that the airport project would cover around 800 hectares and would be located at an unspecified area in Metro Manila. SMC, a diversified conglomerate and owner of a minority stake in flag carrier Philippine Airlines, has long sought to build its own air gateway but uncertainty over the government’s stance on the matter prompted it to shelve the plan last year. The proposal still faces other challenges, given the current administration’s bias against unsolicited projects. Moreover, the Department of Transportation and Communications is looking at its own international airport project, to either operate alongside or as a replacement to the congested Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the country’s busiest air gateway. The three terminals at Naia handled about 32 million passengers last year, above its intended capacity of 30 million. Nevertheless, Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya said Tuesday that they were open to considering SMC’s proposal, once it is submitted. “But based on policy that would be an unsolicited proposal. It is not prohibited; however, there is a bias of government against it. We tend toward more open and transparent bids,” Abaya said in an interview. Currently, Clark International Airport in Pampanga serves as an alternative gateway to Naia. However, it is located more than an hour away north of Metro Manila and has struggled to draw large international carriers. Abaya noted that they were looking at a reclamation project in Sangley as a possible alternative given the requirement that the new airport be located no more than 20 minutes away from Metro Manila. “Initially, it was Laguna de Bay

or Sangley. But Jica [Japan International Cooperation Agency] has firmed up its position on Sangley. That was the report, they are firming that up,” Abaya said. He noted that private sector groups had previously approached the DOTC to study Sangley as a potential location for a new international airport. The development of new air gateways would be crucial to serving future needs as demand for air travel and tourism grows. Jica, in a 2011 study, said annual passenger forecasts for the greater capital region, which covers the National Capital Region and Regions 3 and 4A, will rise from about 50 million in 2020 to 106.7 million in 2040. Miguel R. Camus/ Philippine Daily Inquirer

SMC President Ramon S. Ang

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NEWS ROUND-UP

3) in Quezon City. The DOTC was now looking at including the common station as part of the bidding terms, although the government would still shoulder the cost of the station’s construction. “We are heading in the direction toward the common station being part of the LRT-1 bid,” said Abaya, noting that this was at the request of bidders as it would give them more control over the timing of the project. Abaya added that they have not yet made a decision on where the station would be located. The transportation department has made previous statements on its preference to locate the station beside the Ayala Group’s Trinoma shopping mall, citing its cost advantages, instead of SM North Edsa, owned by billionaire Henry Sy Sr. The SM group had previously made

Cebu waterway structures to be torn down Over 1,000 structures along Cebu City’s creeks and rivers will have to be demolished as these are within the three-meter easement zone. The affected houses are located along Mahiga Creek, Basak Pardo Creek, Cogon Creek, Basak San Nicolas Creek, Pasil Creek, Bulacao River, Lahug River, Kinalumsan River and Guadalupe River. The City Government’s Management Information and Computer Systems (Mics) Head Conrado Ordesta III said they have already submitted the list of houses to the Division for the Welfare the City Government’s Management Information and Computer Systems (Mics), and the Urban Poor (DWUP) and Project Reduced Danger Zones (Redz). The three-meter easement along creeks and rivers to comply with the provisions of Presidential Decree 1067, or the Water Code of the Philippines. Article 51 of the law provides that a three-meter easement zone should be kept free along the banks of rivers, streams,

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a P200 million payment to secure “naming rights” for the station. A station in Trinoma, however, would make it difficult to the transportation department to eventually accommodate MRT-7 once it starts and is completed, previous reports had showed. The LRT-1 extension aims to provide an affordable commuting alternative for about 4 million people living in Parañaque, Las Piñas and Cavite, the DOTC had said. Riders at LRT-1, which served about 470,000 passengers a day last year, was projected to hit about 820,000 once the system is complete in 2019. The winning bidder will operate the entire LRT-1 system for a period of 35 years, including construction, information on the PPP Center website showed. Miguel R. Camus/ Philippine Daily Inquirer

shores of seas and lakes, “for public use in the interest of recreation, navigation, floatage, fishing and salvage.” Redz has already started to evict families near waterways last October. They started at the Mahiga Creek.However, they’ve decided to postpone the clearing operation as Daluz said they want to hold a series of meetings with affected families to teach them about the dangers of living along or near a waterway. This way, affected families will cooperate and the clearing operation will go smoothly. Princess Dawn H. Felicitas/ Cebu Sun Star

www.cebudailynews.wordpress.com

Bidders have been given by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) until May 28 to submit their offers for a massive public-private partnership deal that would extend the existing Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT) elevated railway to Cavite province. The seven groups vying for the project are San Miguel Corp., Ayala Corp. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp., Malaysia’s MTD Group, DMCI Holdings, Megawide Construction Corp., Globalvia Inversiones of Spain and Ecorail. The delay was anticipated given the complicated nature of the P65-billion PPP train project, which failed in its first bidding round in August 2013 as the private sector deemed the project too risky in its previous framework. But the move also comes as the DOTC has yet to define certain terms, including the final location of a P1.4-billion common station that would link the LRT1 and Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-

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Deadline for LRT1 bid postponed

Mahiga creek in Cebu City


Improve workflow with Tekla Structures 20 Fifteen days after the global release of Tekla Structures Version 20, Vibrant Technology Solutions Company followed its steps by launching it here in the Philippines; Manila and Cebu. The launching in the metro was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, in Ortigas Center, last March 28. With special guests from different parts of the world; Mr. Jim Moody of FabTrol Systems, Inc., Mr. Vincent Chia of Tekla South East Asia, and Mr. Andy Dickey of Tekla Corporation Finland. The event was attended by some of the most prominent companies in the construction industry that are users of Tekla Structures such as; Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Company of Manila, Inc., Babcock Hitachi Philippines, Inc., Datem Inc., D. M. Consunji, Inc., EEI Corporation, and JGC Philippines, Inc. among others. While on the other side of the country, Cebu City was preparing for its local Tekla Structures 20 launching, eleven days after its debut in Manila. Guests from various construction companies and well-known businesses such as, J. A. R. C. Construction Company, ACGI – Metaphil Division, and Dash Engineering Philippines and the like, were present to witness the revelation of the new version. A good number of guests were present, on both events to see the

new version of the said software. Awarding ceremony followed the session of talks, recognitions were given to corporations that have been with Vibrant Technology Solutions Company for years and years. Some of the companies were JGC Philippines, Inc., BabcockHitachi Philippines, Inc., Chiyoda Philippines Corporation, Atlantic, Gulf & Pacific Co. of Manila Inc., Dash Engineering Philippines, Inc., Hitachi Ltd. (Philippines Branch), EEI Corporation, and SHI Designing and Manufacturing, Inc. (SDMI) just to name a few. And the wait for the new version of the software was definitely worth it, because of the changes and additional features it now offers. Tekla Structures 20 sets the new benchmark for build ing information modeling (BIM) software. Realize a world of possibilities with the tool that handles every step of construction. Steel Fabrication Choosing Tekla Structures 20 makes planning and managing fabrication and detailing workflows more efficient – be it in the design office or on the shop floor. Collaborate better throughout the value chain with enhanced interoperability with other software solutions. Precast Fabrication Tekla Structures 20 offers precast concrete fabricators new and better tools for more productive modeling and detailing. Organize the model, manage fabrication packages and purchase more efficiently with improved workflow tools. Model and modify filigree, hollow-core, and other precast slabs with the new, intuitive floor tool, and modify your single reinforcement bars, bar groups, and meshes faster and easier than ever.

Creating cast-unit drawings is now more flexible with the new dimensioning functionality, and you can check and adjust distances of rebar in the model with the upgraded Clash Checking tools. Structural Engineering The new Tekla Structures 20 brings you a chance to collaborate better and improve coordination. Save time and avoid mistakes by using geometries that other project parties have already created, and then use the Comment Tool for quick, clear communication. Import and export parts from Trimble Sketch Up, and then communicate your design intent to others. The new software version comes with more links to A&D solutions, and Aveva PDMS and Intergraph Smart 3D interoperability ensure that both the plant structures and process equipment fit together. With new and improved Drawing functionality, you can handle revisions and then print and export easily. Workflow Welcome a smoother workflow with Tekla Structures 20 – now with new and improved features, like Organizer, Task Manager, and Clash Check Manager. Organizer benefits everybody with better, more efficient model information management, increased automation, and is more intuitive to use. Improved Direct Manipulation functionality makes grid modifications easier and faster. Task Manager now offers all users a systematic way to manage detailing and plan fabrication and onsite erection. Clash Check Manager helps you maintain the highest model and design quality – simply prioritize, communicate, assign and coordinate any conflicts that may come up.

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special construction feature

World’s largest concrete pour LA starts building tall with construction of Wilkshire Grand, its tallest structure when completed Some of the world’s tallest buildings. Hundreds of spectators lined the streets in downtown Los Angeles for what might seem a lackluster event in a city known for its entertainment: a parade of trucks poured a load of concrete into a hole. But this was no ordinary hole. It’s the site of the future Wilshire Grand, a 73-storey building filled with offices, retail and hotel rooms that will, when it opens in 2017, be the tallest building in the city, and the eighth tallest in the US. Wilshire Grand building will put Los Angeles back in the skyscraper business as city aims to rejuvenate its centre It’s a building of such significance in the city that even the pouring of its foundation is a moment to celebrate. The project – a $1.1bn (£660m) investment – will be the first major skyscraper built in the city in more than 20 years. That’s a time span that’s seen the global footprint of cities expand dramatically. Hyper speed development in places like China and the Middle East have turned practically empty land into instant city skylines boasting the tallest buildings in the world. Long an American pastime, building skyscrapers has become a global game – and LA has largely been out of it. Some of the world’s tallest buildings. For reasons not purely promotional, the foundation’s concrete was dumped into the hole in one continuous pour – 21,200 cubic yards (16,200 cubic metres) of concrete dumped by 2,120 trucks over a 26-hour period, enough to earn the event a Guinness World Record. The continuous pour turned out to be the most economical way to fill the hole, according to Chris Martin, lead architect of the Wilshire Grand project, from LA-based firm AC Martin.

But pouring this much concrete at once is no small task. From sourcing the concrete and materials, to closing the streets, to keeping the concrete cool enough to set, the procedure is indicative of the technical evolution of building massive buildings. “You’ve never seen anything like this,” says Martin. “I never have.” The entire site covers three acres, but the tower’s foundation takes up about a football field’s worth of space. It was a 17ft 6in hole ringed by 50,000lb (22,700kg) steel starter columns, providing a sturdy base for the structural columns that will rise to the building’s highest floors. After a series of speeches, a long line of trucks began pulling around the site, where the long, green arms of concrete pumping machines reached down from the street surface into the hole. At about a dozen stations, each truck took about 10 minutes to dump its 6,000lb load of concrete into the pumping machines before shuffling out and making way for another. Altogether they poured the equivalent of six and a half Olympic-size swimming pools full of concrete. It was a day-long relay that Martin called “a ballet of concrete trucks”. For about the next two weeks, more than 19 miles of plastic tubing will carry refrigerants through the mass, accelerating the cooling of the concrete’s exothermic reactions enough for it to solidify. By then, the 17ft 6in thick foundation alone will weigh more than 90m lbs, the equivalent of four Eiffel Towers. Hyperbole and marching band theatrics aside, this project is more than just a fancy way to fill up a big hole. The foundation and its forthcoming tower are seen as an almost existentially important project for downtown Los Angeles, and the city as a whole. “I think it has a potential to put LA on the map with respect to the world of tall

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buildings,” says Daniel Safarik, of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, a group that tracks the development of skyscrapers. “Cities are globally competing with each other,” Safarik says. “Regardless of their use, skyscrapers are seen as communicating the economic prominence of a city, and depending how big the country is, even the whole country. They’re seen as a symbol of that place on the global stage. That’s why it’s gotten increasingly important for cities to build them.” The US was the birthplace of the skyscraper. Built in 1884, the 10-storey Home Insurance Building in Chicago is widely recognised as the world’s first, owing to the innovative use of structural steel to frame the building. Despite a rich history of American skyscrapers – from New York’s art deco-topped Chrysler Building to the former tallest building in the country, Chicago’s Willis Tower, to the now-tallest 1,776ft One World Trade Centre, which recently topped out in lower Manhattan – the US has been overshadowed in recent decades by other countries, especially in Asia. For Los Angeles, the Wilshire Grand is proof that the city still has the cachet to go big. Yet it is also true that the developer investing the $1.1bn to build this tower is not from LA, nor even the US. The company behind the project is the South Korean shipping and airline giant, the Hanjin Group. But this is not a slur on LA; rather, it is proof the city is still able to compete in the increasingly competitive global market, according to Qingyun Ma, an architect and dean of the USC School of Architecture, who has worked on some of the tallest buildings now standing in many Asian cities. Nate Berg/theguardian. com


Architectural News Feature

KL Equator Tower wrapped in fully retractable PTFE coated glass fiber All images courtesy of REX architecture PC REX architecture has unveiled designs for ‘equator tower’ in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, an 80-storey structure primarily housing new office facilities for the region, but also including a diverse program of auditoriums, restaurants and bars, retail outlets and executive clubs. The design is characterized by an external sunshade, wrapping the entirety of structure, which can be retracted depending on environmental conditions. As the name suggests, the building is located on the equator, meaning that it receives equal and direct levels of sunlight and exposure on each of its four elevations. Consequently, the scheme’s retractable PTFE-coated glass fiber-reinforced sunshade ensures that offices are protected from glare, without compromising panoramic external views. During the day the sunshade is stretched across the project on a tensile cable net, establishing the tower’s identifiable form. The design allows sections of the veil to be retracted when not exposed to the sun, or the entire shade to be removed on overcast days or evenings. It is imagined that the daily changes and transformations of the building and its shading device will become a spectacle in its own right, a new landmark for the Kuala Lumpur skyline.

The veil minimizes the obstruction of external views. Image by REX architecture PC

Plan - typical curtain wall Image courtesy of REX architecture

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news features

Proposed Tallest Building in Malaysia Begins Construction The long-anticipated Warisan Merdeka, which may oust the Petronas Towers as the tallest building in Malaysia, is set to begin construction, with Pintaras Jaya commissioned to begin the foundation pour next week. Warisan Merdeka was expected to begin in 2011, however, Pintaras Geotechnics Sdn Bhd received its commencement date

notice on March 12. “The work is to commence on March 17 and be completed within a year,” according to the notice. The 600-meter development will house retail, residential, and office space, and will be located on a 0.4-hectare parcel of land that includes two stadiums,which will retain their national heritage building status.

Life Begins At 27

For many of us, the true measure of independence begins once we start living by ourselves. The experience can be as daunting as it is exciting, whether it be an apartment near our school or a flat within the vicinity of our workplace. Ultimately, the excitement to turn an empty space into an extension of our personality is unlike any other feeling. In due course, however, things take on an entirely new perspective when other lives enter the picture. While it is essential to maintain an active, vibrant, and urban lifestyle, these needs become secondary to the necessities of a growing family. Ideally, of course, these

elements can come together in a harmonious balance, but finding the perfect place to begin this type of life often becomes a challenge. Accordingly, it can be said “that life begins at 27” – not in terms of age or state of mind, but in terms of location. Strategically located in the heart of Greenhills, 27 Annapolis is a true haven for those who are ready to take on a new and exciting chapter in their lives. Indeed, this flagship development from Bayswater Realty is the fulfillment of a vision to improve the quality of residential condominiums in the San Juan area. The architectural design captures the perfect symmetry between

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metropolitan living and laid-back comfort. “A condo is more than just a residence – primarily, it is a living space,” noted Bayswater CEO Andie Ngan. “In view of this, 27 Annapolis was thoughtfully designed for people who are starting out, or starting anew,” she enthused. Towering 45 storeys with a total of 124 units, 27 Annapolis offers custom, welldesigned spaces, having only four units per floor. The attention to detail is apparent through the quality of materials and finishing. An abundance of natural light flows through the floor to ceiling windows, creating an atmosphere of warmth. Each area of of every unit is thoroughly designed for hassle-free living, including built-in kitchen amenities like European fixtures, an integrated range hood, and pre-fabricated cabinets. Complimenting this beauty and prestige is the passion and support brought to 27 Annapolis by some of the best property development firms in the country: W.V. Coscolluela and Associates (WVCA), Design Coordinates, Inc. (DCI), and R.S. Caparros and Associates (RSCA). These giants have been a driving and influential force in the industry for decades, and have become the gold-standard partners for any development project. The 27 Annapolis showroom, located in #6 Annapolis near EDSA is now open to accept inquiries and potential clients. 27 Annapolis showroom is now officially open. For more information on Bayswater Realty and 27 Annapolis, inquiries can be made through their website at www.27annapolis.com , or via e-mail at inquire@bayswater-realty.com.


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associations, organizations and companies

PCA donates laptops to UP Tacloban students

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program this 2014, the Philippine Constructors Association, Inc. (PCA) donated laptops to selected students of the University of the Philippines (UP) Tacloban who are now cross-registered in UP Diliman. The students, namely: Ropher John P. Gares, Ma. Joy O. Jocosol, Rosa Jean T. Gonzaga, Danily Faith S. Villar, Mark Andre C. Grisola and Jobby A. Villalon were all affected when Typhoon Yolanda had adversely hit the Visayas in November 2013 and utterly obliterated the UP Tacloban campus. The donation on April 1, 2014 at the PCA Office in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. It was formally attended by PCA-CSR Chair and Wilcon Builders Chief Executive Officer Rose B. Ong, PCA Director Ramonito “Oging” Sicat and two officers from the Commission on Audit (COA).

Newly-elected Officers Proclaimed The UAP Commission on Elections proclaimed last April the newly-elected Executive Officers of the United Architects of the Philippines during the Closing Ceremonies of the 40th UAP National Convention at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City. Newly-elected Executive Officers are the following: National President: Ma. Benita O. Regala, fuap, National Executive Vice President: Rey S. Gabitan, uap, Area A Vice President: Corazon F. Tandoc, fuap, Area B Vice President: Wilfredo G. Gacutan, fuap, Area C Vice President: Manuel B. Tingzon, Jr., fuap, Area D Vice President: Noel DS

Ma. Benita O. Regala, fuap Querijero, uap, Secretary General: Alfred Geoffrey C. Carandang, uap, National Treasurer: John Joseph T. Fernandez, uap, National Auditor: Mohammadsarfraz A. Uttoh, uap

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Seven groups express interest in SCTEX service area project Seven groups have expressed interest in the lease and construction of the SubicClark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) Service Area. The state-owned Bases and Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) is bidding out the two-hectare Macangcung Service area along the northbound side of the 94-kilometer SCTEX in Barangay Santiago, Concepcion, Tarlac. In a press statement, BCDA president and chief executive officer Arnel Paciano D. Casanova said: “We look forward to the eventual submission of bids by these firms when the BCDA undertakes the public bidding for the SCTEX Service Area.” He identified the interested firms as Double Dragon Properties Corp.; LBC Express Business Solutions/Development; Manila North Tollways Corp.; Northern Star Energy and Fuel Distribution Corp.; Northwalk Land, Inc.; PTT Philippines Corp.; and Seaoil Philippines, Inc. The project covers the construction and operation of the service area which must have a gasoline station and parking area, restrooms, a first aid station, an emergency vehicle repair shop and convenience stores. According to BCDA Asset Disposition Program Committee Chairwoman Nena D. Radoc, potential bidders can buy the Terms of Reference (TOR) for a non-refundable fee of P50,000, paid through manager’s check, from the BCDA before April 2. The deadline for submission of eligibility documents and final proposals will be on April 4 at 12:00 P.M. Upon contract signing, the winning firm will give the BCDA a security deposit matching their proposed budget and a Surety Bond with a face value of P7 million. Ms. Radoc also said that while the first four years of the lease are rent-free, the concessionaire will pay rent of at least P3.5 million on the fifth year, increasing by 5% every year thereafter.


Construction of NLEX Harbor Link Segment 10.1 to start this month

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Construction of the P10.5 billion Segment 10.1 of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link will start this month, disclosed the Manila North Tollways Corp. The project involves the construction of an elevated 5.65-kilometer road that will link the Caloocan City end of Circumferential Road 3 (C-3) and the Valenzuela City point of MacArthur Highway. Upon its completion in February 2016, it is expected to decongest Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares. Other segments of the project are the P1.7-billion, 2.4-kilometer Segment 9 that stretches from NLEX-Mindanao Avenue Link to MacArthur Highway in Valenzuela City and the 8-kilometer Segment 10.2 that will link NLEX to South Luzon Expressway in 2016. An official project statement said that the entire stretch is expected to accommodate 30,000 cargo trucks a day. According to the MNTC, segments 9 and 10.1 will facilitate cargo transport. “Trucks can travel at any time of the day or night, enjoying the benefit of having no truck ban along the expressway,” said the firm. In a separate statement, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio L. Singson said the project would facilitate the decongestion of traffic and cutting of logistics cost. “The intention is to link properly—when I say properly, with good national standards—

our ports, Ro-Ro (roll-on roll-off) ports, and airports to the main national highway,” he said. Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) Chief Executive Officer Jose Maria K. Lim also said: “Our modest target is to double the length of our country’s 300-plus kilometer toll roads in five to eight years.” According to MPTC President Ramoncito S. Fernandez, the firm currently has a market share of about 60% of the toll road industry, adding that the MPTC had earmarked some P36 to P40 billion for the next three to five years for toll road projects outside Metro Manila. “We are still pursuing this…bridge option connecting Cebu and Mactan,” he said, adding that the project alone could cost anywhere between P10 to P20 billion. He also noted that the 300-kilometer toll road network of the Philippines is still far from the 700-kilometer and 1,500-kilometer road network of Indonesia and Malaysia, respectively. Mr. Singson said there will be more opportunities for contractors as the government strives to boost investment on infrastructure. “President Benigno S. Aquino III ordered DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya and I to increase investments for infrastructure, so we’re looking at easily 50% increase in infrastructure investments before 2016,” he said.

PCA takes part in 41st IFAWPCA Convention, CONEXPO 2014 Photo Caption: Members and directors of the Philippine Constructors Association, Inc. (PCA) participated in two international conventions last March. A PCA delegation led by PCA President Delfin Wenceslao, Jr. attended the 41st International Federation of Asian and WesternPacific Contractors Associations (IFAWPCA) Convention on March 2 to 5 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia. The delegation was composed of PCA Executive Director Lito Madrasto, PCA Past President Levy Espiritu and Emilio J. Tumbocon, PCA Directors John A. Bautista and Ramonito “ Oging” Sicat and former PCA 1st Vice President Rey Villar.

Members of the Women in Construction (WIC) also joined the delegation, including Ms. Ellen Chua, Ms. Rosario Evangelista, Ms. Hedy Barretto and Ms. Ma. Lourdes Fernando. Since the formation of IFAWPCA, the IFAWPCA Convention has been a tradition, where IFAWPCA members exchange important and timely information about the recent developments in the construction industry. Themed “infrastructure for a Better Future,” the 41st IFAWPCA Convention featured conferences, seminars, a construction exhibition and cultural events and served as an effective venue for PCA and WIC members to rub

elbows with their fellow industry players in Asia and the Pacific. On March 4 to 8, another PCA delegation graced the CONEXPO 2014 in Las Vegas, USA. PCA Immediate Past President Augusto Manalo, PCA 1st Vice President Ronaldo Elepano, former PCA Presidents Jorge Consunji and Anthony Fernandez made presentations during the event to promote the PHILCONSTRUCT event and the Philippines as a promising investment destination. The delegation also included PCA Director Gwen Cua and other members of the Association of Carriers and Equipment Lessors (ACEL).

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Building expo to showcase eco-friendly technologies Over 450 local and foreign firms exhibited their latest products in construction, building materials, real estate and interior and exterior decoration sectors at Vietbuild 2014 in Hanoi.

The five-day exhibition, which opened on March 26 at the Vietnam Exhibition and Fair Centre, introduced eco-friendly materials and energy-saving devices related to the housing industry. AFC International Exhibition Company General Director Nguyen Dinh Hung told the media that the exhibition featured 1,350 booths of 214 domestic businesses, 175 joint venture companies and 61 foreign groups and enterprises. The foreign participants included China, Republic of Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, Italy, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Singapore, France, the US and India. Hung said the exhibition was also expected to offer business cooperation opportunities for the participants as well as the expanding market. He added that Vietbuild has attracted big companies with an aim to bring a new direction to the domestic building material and interior market. The exhibition included the presentation of the Vietbuild Golden Cup to encourage quality improvements and the creation of new construction and real estate products. Vietbuild is an annual exhibition jointly organised by the Ministry of Construction and the AFC International Exhibition Fair Corporation. The event was organised for the first time in Ho Chi Minh City in 1998, and was subsequently expanded to Hanoi and Da Nang in 2005.

Cambodia to spend $ 100 million to upgrade airports Cambodia’s three international airports recently received more than $100 million for upgrades in an effort to accommodate strong passenger growth driven by the country’s nascent tourism industry. A subsidiary of French firm Vinci, Cambodia Airports, which serves as the concession company for the international gateways at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, has begun construction and expects it to progress in stages over the next two years. Plans call for the extension of the existing terminal in Phnom Penh by more than 200,000 square feet and include a third floor to offer better services to business travelers. The upgrades will include new IT systems, check-in counters, boarding gates and traveler services. Last year, the airport received 2.4 million visitors, an increase of 15 percent compared with 2012. Phnom Penh offers 26 routes through 20 airlines and serves as a hub for national carrier Cambodia Angkor Air. Meanwhile, construction on an extension to Siem Reap’s terminal continues. Plans call for it to double in size by next year, with an expansion of arrival and

immigration facilities and more check-in counters. Last year, the airport handled 2.6 million passengers, 20 percent more than in 2012. Since 2009, Siem Reap has emerged as the fastest growing airport in Cambodia and has become a popular holiday destination, particularly among Asian tourists attracted by low fares and direct routes. South Korean visitors account for 28 percent of traffic, followed by Chinese passengers at 22 percent. Six carriers launched services to Siem Reap in 2013, including Spring Airlines, Thai AirAsia, Dragonair, Air Busan, Air China and Jin Air. Planners expect passenger traffic to reach five million at both Phnom Penh and Siem Reap by 2025. World renowned for its Buddhist temples, including the Unesco heritage site Angkor Wat, Cambodia last year attracted 5.1 million passengers, up 18 percent on 2012. Tourists account for 90 percent of the Cambodian market. The country has consistently posted double-digit traffic growth for the last four years and has emerged as one of the fastest growing markets in Southeast Asia. Jennifer Meszaros/ AIN Online

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Intersolar Europe Expands Portfolio to EES Exhibition Intersolar Europe is expanding its range of topics to include additional promising fields within energy storage, in cooperation with Messe München International. From 2014, EES, the Electrical Energy Storage exhibition, will take place under the same roof as Intersolar Europe, presenting a full spectrum of products in the areas of solar power production and electrical energy storage, in addition to the previous ranges. EES is the ideal platform for the rapidly growing energy storage systems market, covering the entire supply chain of innovative battery and energy storage system technologies, from components to production to concrete examples of application. Energy storage systems make a vital contribution to the energy transition. For instance, they allow higher on-site consumption of solar power, help take the load off power grids, play a central role in e-mobility and thus provide a safe and efficient power supply in various situations. Last year’s topic was covered by the leading international exhibition productronica – in a special exhibit on battery storage system technology. EES 2014 promises a highly attractive range of exhibits in high technology, together with the two Messe München GmbH exhibitions that are running parallel, Automatica – International Exhibition for Automation and Mechatronics and Maintain – International Exhibition for Industrial Maintenance.


Compulsory budgeting to be introduced to Vietnamese construction contracts from February Public works contractors in Vietnam will be prohibited from signing construction contracts without agreeing “suitable budgetary provision” beforehand under new rules published by the country’s government.06 Jan 2014

public works sector”. “In customary legislative fashion, the new provisions are vague and incomplete and would certainly be inadequate were they intended to create private law obligations,” he said.

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“The novel exception to price adjustment based on advanced payment, in particular, poses a serious challenge to risk evaluation in a case where one is considering entry into a remeasurement contract in conjunction with advance payment within the public works sector,” he said.

The change is one of several amendments to rules on pricing and payment which will be made to the Vietnamese Construction Contract Regulations from 1 February. Decree 207/2013, finalised at the end of last year, will amend and supplement a number of provisions in the existing Decree 48/2010 concerning public works construction contracts. In Vietnam, public works contracts are those to which the state contributes a minimum of 30% to the relevant construction project. Hong Kong-based construction law expert Nicholas Brown of Pinsent Masons, the law firm behind Out-Law.com, said that although it was “tempting” to assume that the changes would not pose serious concerns for foreign contractors involved in public works, there was “ample reason for further appropriate enquiries to be made before commitments are made in the

The new decree will introduce a new Clause 6 into the existing Article 15 of the Construction Contract Regulations which will require contractors to include ‘risk factors’ relating to the price of the project falling in the contract price for lump sum and fixed unit-price contracts. Contracting parties will also be required to “take responsibility for risks related to the contract price” in those contracts. Parties will also be prevented from adjusting any unit price corresponding to work for which there has been an advanced payment once the changes come into force. These changes are being introduced on top of existing rules which generally prevent changes from being made to the price of lump sum or fixed unit-price contracts, but which allow parties to provide for price adjustments in specific cases elsewhere in the contract. The new decree will also add to the rules governing advance payment guarantees

(APGs) set out in the Construction Contract Regulations. In particular, it will extend the validity period of an APG until such time as the advance payment is fully accounted for. The rules governing how advanced payments are allocated to different members of a contracting consortium will be relaxed slightly to allow the consortium leader to provide a guarantee for the full sum of the advance payment. Brown said that the new requirements would have implications for the drafting of APGs that would previously have been given fixed expiry dates, and so was “a matter of immediate concern for commercial banks that are involved in public works construction contracts in Vietnam”. “It will be hoped that the existing practice of substituting fresh replacement guarantees would be viewed as still satisfactory,” he said. The new rules on compulsory project budgets will only allow a construction contract to be signed when “the principal has set up a capital plan to pay the contractor according to the payment progress of the contractor”, according to the decree. However, Brown said that the new clause did not specify how that budget must be set up and what would happen if it was not; and did not create and new remedies for delayed payment in circumstances where a suitable budget was not agreed before the contract was signed.

Dong Nai water supply system in operation The first phase on the Nhon Trach water supply in the southern province of Dong Nai became operational in late March. The plant cost 2 trillion VND (95 million USD), and was funded by Japanese ODA, according to Dang Trong Thanh, Director of the Dong Nai Water Supply Company. With a capacity of 100,000 cubic metres per day, it is expected to supply clean water to Tam Phuog and An Phuoc communes in Long Thanh and Nhon Trach districts. The project was approved by the Prime Minister and began construction in 2008. VNA

Illustrative image. Photo: Internet

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Myanmar halts hotel construction in ancient Bagan Myanmar has prohibited the building of more hotels in the ancient city of Bagan, which the government hopes to nominate as a World Heritage Site soon, a minister said Wednesday. “We will not allow new hotel constructions there,” Soe Thein, minister of the president’s office, told dpa.

Dragon International bags US$100 billion projects

Over the past two decades, several hotels and other buildings were granted permission to be constructed in the heart of ancient Bagan, such as the Aureum Palace Hotel and the 61-metre Royal Watchtower, to the annoyance of conservationists.

Hong Kong based Dragon Best International has been chosen as the contractor for three premier projects according to Ho Tram Tourism Company of Vietnam last March. This was announced by Ho Tram Company Director General Nguyen Quoc Long, saying the projects worth US$100 billion will be implemented following the public private partnership (PPP) model. The first project aims to construct a trade complex that includes hotels, residential areas, and an international convention hall on 58 ha in Ho Chi Minh City at an estimated cost of US$32 billion.

“We must keep Bagan as an ancient city, but we can’t cancel the hotel deals that the former government allowed,” Soe Thein said.

Malaysia’s construction boom has peaked

There are currently 17 hotels under construction in four zones adjacent to temple city, but none are situated in the site itself.

Bagan was a Buddhist kingdom during the 9th to 13th centuries. It boasts thousands of pagodas and monasteries and is one of Myanmar’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing an estimated 400,000tourists last year. Myanmar first proposed Bagan as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in themid-1990s, when the country was still under military rule, but withdrew the nomination after the UN agency requested more details on preservation and management plans, UN sources said. Nation

The second project is to develop an international eco-tourist resort on an area of 1,595 ha in Xuyen Moc district of southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, with a total investment of US$18 billion. In addition, Ho Tram and Dragon Best International have also contracted to construct a US$50 billion project in the Bo Y border economic zone in the Vietnam-Lao-Cambodia development triangle. The three above projects had previously been given the green light to proceed by the Government. VOV online

Malaysia’s construction boom has reached its peak, according to a new Business Monitor (BM) report on the country’s infrastructure investment. The leading global independent business research data provider’s report states that Malaysia’s construction activity in Q2 2013 represented the lowest pace of expansion since Q4 2011. BM expects this slowdown to intensify, primarily due to falling demand for residential and non-residential buildings, as well as concerns about Malaysia’s fiscal position. These concerns have increased financing risks for public-funded projects, say BM, particularly within the infrastructure sector. As a result, BM has maintained its construction growth forecasts for 2013 (10.1%) and 2014 (6.7%), but revised down its longer-term forecasts, from an annual average of 5.0% to 4.5% between 2015 and 2017. The BM report notes how in July 2013 the Malaysian Highway Authority said that the government was considering plans to construct a new coastal highway along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, from Kota Bahru in the state of Kelantan to Pengerang in Johor. The government would consider the viability of the project before undertaking it, according to the Malaysian Highway Authority’s Director Datuk Ismail Md Salleh. There is a need to improve connectivity and accessibility in the eastern coast of the country, while most parts in the western coast areas are well-connected and served with roads and highways, Salleh added. The project is expected to create economic spillover effects and open new growth centres in the east coast areas. www.WorldHighways.com

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Laos to Break Ground on Don Sahong Dam in December Laos started construction on the controversial Don Sahong dam on the Mekong River last December, vowing to proceed with the project transparently to assuage fears over its potential environmental impact. Preparatory work on the 260-megawatt dam began in July last year, but full-scale construction will proceed “in the beginning of December,” Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines Viraponh Viravong told the media during a tour of the project site. “Work on a bridge and access roads are already under way,” Viraponh said. “By the end of the year we will close the cofferdam [which allows water to be pumped out of the site] and will begin work on the Hou Sahong [channel],” he said. The Don Sahong dam is to be located slightly more than 1 kilometer from the Lao-Cambodia border, will block the Hou Sahong channel, which environmental groups say is the only year-round channel for transboundary fish migration on the Mekong. Viraponh said that contracts to purchase the electricity produced by the dam had already been signed, with the concession to Malaysian dam developer Mega First Berhad mapped out and sent to lawmakers for approval, and that a loan agreement would be completed by May. The electricity generated by the project will be fully sold to the national power utility Electricite du Laos (EDL) to meet increased demand for domestic power, state media reported. He expressed confidence that the project “will bring development to the local area,” claiming it would have little impact on the region because it is a spillover dam that does not require flooding for a large reservoir. “The people of the area will have a new way of living,” he said. Viraponh spoke during the second day of a tour of the site for more than 100 representatives of member countries of the Mekong River Commission (MRC), an intergovernmental body which oversees development on the waterway, development partners, international nongovernmental organizations, and Lao and foreign media. The two-day visit was organized by the Lao government and Mega First as part of a bid to demonstrate transparency for the project

and to address concerns over its impact on the environment and on riparian communities Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines Viraponh Viravong who rely on the Mekong for speaks to reporters near the future Don Sahong dam site, Nov. 10, 2013. their livelihood. Environment groups, including projects, according to a report by the stateInternational Rivers, had warned that the run Vientiane Times. project—part of Laos’s plans to become “We insist that studies be done the “battery” of Southeast Asia by selling professionally and thoroughly by recognized electricity to its neighbors—“spells disaster” international experts and that the resulting for fish migration on the Mekong and analysis and technical data be disseminated threatens regional food security. wholly and honestly with other qualified The Don Sahong is the second mainstream experts for discussion,” he said. dam planned for the Mekong River. Credit: Viraponh said that the government would RFA continue to welcome comments from MRC On Wednesday, villagers who will be member countries, development partners relocated to make way for the dam told and environmentalists so it can improve members of the media that they do not the project’s final design and ensure its oppose the project, but want Mega First to sustainability, according to the report. provide them with an alternative to fishing, which they currently rely on as a source of Potential impacts The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) food and income. “If there is no alternative livelihood for us, said recently that blocking the Hou Sahong we villagers are likely to stand against the channel would cause “permanent damage” project,” one resident said on condition of to the Mekong basin’s fishery resources, which it valued at between U.S. $1.4 billion anonymity. He said that the developer should provide and $3.9 billion per year. The group contends that water quality, assistance and jobs that would allow them to draw an income comparable to what they sediment flow, habitat degradation, and earn from their traditional work catching fish. increased boat traffic brought on by the Another villager said that officials project, as well as explosives used in previously visiting the area had explained excavation, could decimate the Mekong’s to residents that the project would introduce remaining 85 endangered Irrawaddy new jobs, though it had been more than dolphins. It has called for suspension of the project a month since they had heard any more “pending completion of independent, information. “On Jan. 27, they came to meet the comprehensive and scientific trans-boundary studies,” adding that all additional studies villagers asking about our needs,” he said. “They said that they would provide some should include transparent consultation with sort of funding as assistance for us and that governments, civil society, and communities we would be able to pursue work in fields like that would be affected by the proposed dam. Laos’s announcement of plans to forge animal husbandry, fish breeding, growing ahead with the Don Sahong in September 2013 vegetables, or whatever we like.” He said that he hoped the project developer also prompted objections from neighboring would support them according to what they Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, which had been told during the January meeting, said not enough study had been done on the but expressed concern because there had project’s downstream impact. An impact assessment carried out by been no follow-up discussions. On Wednesday in Champassak province, Mega First claims that fish will be able to ahead of the visit to the dam site, Viraphonh use other channels to migrate and that the told the delegation that the government has dam’s environmental and social effects will demanded that developers conduct extensive be mitigated, but critics say that the study research on all potential environmental and is based on flawed information. RFA’s Lao social impacts of proposed hydropower Service

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Warisan Merdeka tower construction to begin The foundation for the 118-storey skyscraper Warisan Merdeka within the enclave of Merdeka Stadium and Stadium Negara will kick off with the contract assigned to Pintaras Jaya Bhd’s subsidiary for RM74 million. The iconic project that is estimated to be worth RM5 billion had been halted for sometime. Pintaras, in an announcement at the stock exchange, said its subsidiary Pintaras Geotechnics Sdn Bhd received a commencement date notice on March 12 from PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd to undertake foundation work for Warisan Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur (KL). “The work is to commence this March 17 and completed within a year,” it said. The project was earlier expected to start in 2011, and scheduled to be completed in 2015, however, after the delay of almost three years in commencement of work, the completion may take longer. The overall Warisan Merdeka development will be on 19 acres and the heritage stadiums, the site is set to be another major landmark in KL.

As per the initial plan, the two stadiums will be retained as national heritage buildings.The development was supposed to consist of a mall, residences and an office skyscraper. With 118 floors, the height of the building will exceed 500m, surpassing the current tallest buildings in Malaysia, the 452m Petronas Twin Towers. The Malaysian Reserve

Success of electronica India 2013 and productronica India 2013 underlines the promising market potential Electronica India 2013 and Productronica India 2013 ended on a high-note with 11,589 trade visitors. Around 250 exhibitors, representing 525 companies, showed their products, solutions and services at the trade fair last 4 to 6 September 2013. Both exhibitors and visitors were extremely satisfied with the outcome of the show. The shows also featured a live SMT (Surface Mount Technology) production line for the first time that produced a live mobile phone. This remained the center of attraction for the visitors. In parallel to the exhibitions, two conferences and a seminar took place. A total of 250 delegates attended them. The LEDMA (LED products Manufacturers’ Association, India) conference focussed on LED technologies and was powered by

eminent speakers from the LED industry. ELCINA (Electronic Industries Association of India) conducted a seminar on enabling a competitive eco-system for electronics manufacturing, EMS and automotive electronics. The conferences and seminar provided attendees with unique opportunities to network, learn and connect with key industry speakers and personalities. “There is a new opportunity which India offers to companies in the field of electronics system design and manufacturing. The government has a new set of policy initiatives which make India an attractive destination. The initial response from industry has been very encouraging, both from multinationals and Indian companies. Events such as electronica India and productronica India provide a

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good platform for stakeholders to understand more about the new opportunities and weave their future plans to take advantage of the same”, says Dr. Ajay Kumar, Joint Secretary Department of Electronics & Information Technology, Ministry of Communication & Information, Government of India. Major players like Kaynes, EMST, NMTronics India Pvt Ltd, iNETest Technologies (I) Pvt Ltd, Leaptech Corporation and Agilent Technologies showed the latest innovations the industry has to offer. With their participation they demonstrated India’s strength in ESDM and underlined India’s status as a growing electronics powerhouse with the industry set to touch a USD 400 billion demand by 2020. The electronics industry leaders from around the world and throughout the value chain met in India to gain expert insight into the technology trends and market movements shaping the ESDM industry. The trade fairs got immense support from various electronic associations like ELCINA, LEDMA, Consortium of Electronic Industries of Karnataka (CLIK), India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT), Communication Multimedia and Infrastructure, Association of India (CMAI) and IPC. The next edition of electronica India and productronica India will take place from September 23-25, 2014 at BIEC, Bengaluru, India.


More than US$617 million (VND 13 trillion) will be required by Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City for road construction and repairs in 2014, according to a national newspaper quoting the city’s Department of Transport. Ho Chi Minh City needs the money to fulfill plans to construct 10 new bridges and 45km of road covering 397,000m². Of the total funding demand, $108.27 million (VND 2.3 trillion) will be official development assistance (ODA) loans, while $329.54 million (VND 7 trillion) will come from Ho Chi Minh City’s budget. A sum of $177.01 million (VND 3.76 trillion) will be allocated for commuter bus subsidy as well as maintenance. Build-operate-transfer (BOT) and buildtransfer (BT) projects are estimated to

Vietnam-Laos road construction to start in late 2014

www.veloasia.com

Vietnam and Laos will hasten preparations for a road project linking their two capitals Hanoi and Vientiane to get off the ground late this year. This is the result of a working session in Hanoi on March 25 between Vietnamese Minister of Transport Dinh La Thang and his Lao counterpart Bounchanh Sinthavong . The two ministers agreed to accelerate construction of a 67kmroad from Sam Tay District of Laos’ Houaphanh province toTha Lau in the border between Vietnam and Laos. The road will link Xiengkhouang and Houaphanh provinces of Laos and Thanh Hoa province of Vietnam, and will be the shortest road from Vientiane to Hanoi. vovnews

www.roadtraffic-technology.com

Ho Chi Minh City needs over US$600mn for roads in 2014

require some $170.42 million (VND 3.62 trillion) capital. The sum utilised by districts for road construction and site clearance is approximately $188.3 million (VND 4 trillion). In 2014, a number of transport projects, including roads connecting Hiep Phuoc industrial park with Ba Chiem bridge and

Ton Duc Thang street with Thai Van Lung street, will be kicked off. Meanwhile, pipe measuring a minimum of 215km will be installed for clean water supply. Flood control projects will still be carried out to abolish a minimum of six flood-prone sites, out of the total 11. WorldHighways. com

Thailand okays $19 Million Loan to Laos A green light to lend Bt655 million (US$19.8 million) to neighboring Laos PDR for two road improvement projects, has been approved by the Thai Cabinet, according to Finance Ministry. The Thai Cabinet gave The Neighboring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) financial assistance worth Bt655 million which will be allocated for two road improvement projects in Laos. The Bt250 million (nearly US$7.6 million) loan will be used for improving roads and the municipal drainage system in Vientiane, the Lao capital, aiming to develop basic infrastructure in the inner capital city and to solve traffic congestion as well as flooding. NEDA, under the supervision of the finance ministry, said the Thai government’s soft loan to Laos PDR is to mark the 60th anniversary of warm diplomatic relations between the two countries and to celebrate the 450th anniversary of Vientiane’s establishment. Meanwhile, the other Bt405 million ($12.3 million) budget will be distributed for the R3 road improvement project in order to fix the road damaged by natural disaster and for safety. The R3 road links Thailand’s Chiang Rai to China’s Kunming province via Laos under the Great Mekong Subregion coooperation. Regarding to the financial aid for both projects, NEDA has received financial support from government-owned financial institutions in order to provide soft loan for the neighbouring country. The Thai finance ministry said the loan will foster Thailand’s foreign policy implementation through economic development cooperation with neighbouring nations and to improve quality of living as well as boost better understanding of ThaiLao friendship among the Lao people. The road projects will help increase demands in services and products from Thailand and also will strengthen Thailand’s role towards the Mekong neighbour. According to the contract conditions, Laos has to buy materials and services from Thailand, not less than 50 per cent of the monetary value mentioned in the contract. Mcot.net

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Construction material market in Laos attracts regional interest Construction materials companies in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Republic of Korea consider Laos as a promising market where they would like to increase their sales base and also introduce new technologies. Despite being a small market, its Asean membership means that Laos is an interesting market for companies based in the region and also globally Now, many worldwide well known construction materials brands are exporting to the small market of six million people, which is experiencing considerable growth in the home building and construction businesses. Schneider Electric and Juton paint products have entered the Lao construction market in recent years, with other exporting companies in Thailand examining the opportunities. Schnieder and Juton have

both entered into deals with local business partners who will act on their behalf. A senior sales executive of Juton Thailand Limited told Vientiane Times at the Association of Lao Architects and Civil Engineering Expo 2014 in Vientiane that despite the company’s sales success in Laos in the previous years, it will continue development efforts ahead of the inception of the AEC in 2015. Armstrong hardwood and laminate flooring made by Home Materials Company in the USA is a new entrant in the construction material markets in Laos. Home Material Company in Thailand imports this product from the USA to distribute in Thai markets. It just shifted this commodity to Lao markets a few months ago. Although the Armstrong brand name is not widely known yet among construction

companies and house builders in Laos, the dealer in Thailand will try to make this trademark more recognized. A Home Material Company representative, Mr. Korawit Intarat said that the company will try to boost sales in Laos by introducing its Armstrong hardwood and laminate flooring to Lao people over the next two years. Last week, more than 100 companies from Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and the Republic of Korea brought in their products and new technologies to the expo. Firms from these countries, especially from Thailand, want to create a stronger marketing base in Laos ahead of the introduction of the AEC. According to the Asean website, the AEC shall be the goal of regional economic integration by 2015. It envisages a single market and production base; a highly competitive economic region; a region of equitable economic development, and a region fully integrated into the global economy. The AEC will transform Asean into a region with free movement of goods, services, investment, skilled labour and freer flow of capital. Vientiane Times

Construction begins on SG$350 million Comtech building redevelopment, Singapore

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Mark Platinum certification, Singapore’s highest sustainability award. This was achieved thanks to a predicted 30% energy saving through the use of efficient chiller plants and lighting.” Construction of the project is due to be completed in the first half of 2016.

http://www.worldconstructionnetwork.com

Construction has begun on the SG$350 million redevelopment of the Comtech commercial building in Singapore. The redevelopment of the Comtech building will include the construction of a new 30-storey tower with three stepped podium blocks, providing approximately 125,000 sq m of gross floor area. As the second and final phase of the Mapletree Business City (MBC) integrated business hub it will build on the previous success of MBC, which includes a business park and retail space, office and meeting facilities, restaurants and cafes and a gymnasium with heated pool. Mott MacDonald is acting as building services consultant on behalf of Mapletree Business City Pte Ltd on the project. The MBC development has revitalized the Alexandra Precinct of Singapore. Located at the fringe of the central business district, it is designed to support, enhance and exceed the needs of modern businesses. CheeChuan Tan, Mott MacDonald’s project director, said: “MBC’s environmentally sustainable design has received many national and international awards. Once the redevelopment of the Comtech building is complete, the complex will be a Grade A business park space with high floor plate efficiency. The project recently obtained Green


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industry report

Skyscrapers and the race to the skies:

Threats to Philippines’ Tall Buildings By: Ma. Nenevetch Reyes Now comes the risks. Our islands are besieged by natural calamities all year round. In the previous year alone, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake rocked Central Visayas in October, leaving hundreds dead, thousands injured and billions of pesos lost to collapsed structures including iconic centuries-old churches. Barely a month later, one of the strongest typhoon ever recorded in the history of the world, devastated the Central islands. An estimated 1.1 million homes were destroyed leaving thousands of families homeless. Imagine the danger to life and property that these calamities bring about even upon small communities that are thinly spread. For high density buildings, the risks are multiplied many times over. Metro Manila, host to most of our skyscrapers, is located atop at least four fault lines that can trigger major seismic activity anytime. In 2004, a joint study

in collaboration with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the Japan International Cooperation Agency entitled “Earthquake Impact Reduction Study for Metropolitan Manila in the Republic of the Philippines” was conducted. The study developed earthquake scenarios, and came up with pictures of the extent of devastation that can possibly occur in Metro Manila. The result revealed detailed statistical forecasts of the extent of destruction but the bottom line is that a 7.2 magnitude earthquake is enough to wreak immense havoc in the region. The study showed that about 13% of medium rise and high rise buildings are expected to collapse and around 30% will sustain minor to moderate damages. “There is no question that an earthquake of such magnitude will happen. The question is when it will happen and if

There is no question that an earthquake of such magnitude will happen. The question is when it will happen and if we are ready for it

----Ishmael Narag,

we are ready for it,” says Ishmael Narag, officer in charge of the Seismology Division of Phivolcs. A new building code was ratified to prepare Metro Manila, but Narag says implementation is a problem. The Structural Code of the Philippines was also upgraded in 2010. In another interview however, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive officer Benito Ramos said these structures are safe when evaluated against the Philippines’ safety standards and that they are designed to withstand a magnitude seven earthquake.

Officer in charge of the Seismology Division of Phivolcs Ishmael Narag. Photo source: PhilSTAR.com

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One can only hope that Mr. Ramos’ assessment prevails. Yet there is real cause for concern over our existing tall buildings. Can they stand up to a typhoon with the same formidable force


The Discovery Primea, now the 3rd tallest in the Philippines, stands proudly at 239 meters along Ayala Avenue, Makati

as typhoon Yolanda? Given that they can withstand a magnitude 7 earthquake, what about higher magnitude earthquakes like the 8.9 that hit Japan which flattened a whole town and caused a nuclear disaster? Are we prepared in the event of a fire of the same magnitude as 9/11? These are all near possibilities and nothing should be left to chance if we are determined to build tall.

Learning Lessons in High Rise Safety

NDRRMC and other agencies have been gearing up their emergency response and risk reduction programs to save lives and mitigate further damage in the event of such disasters. For tall buildings, these should include information campaigns for occupants; evacuation drills parallel with building evacuation and emergency plans; sufficient and well-trained emergency response teams; adequate, state-of-the-art apparatus, vehicles and equipment such as aerial apparatus for high-storey fire incidences, among others. But we need to learn our lessons from real stories. Disaster preparedness alone can not save lives that may be lost due to sub-standard materials, inadequate design, poor building technology and construction methodologies, inadequate or non provision of fire fighting equipment, lapses in judgement during construction and even seemingly minor safety requirements such as insufficient warning and directional signs. It is estimated that about 25% of mid-rise buildings and 10% of high-rise buildings may not be complying with our local “safety nets� such as the Building and Fire Codes and other local building restrictions

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industry report

Bonifacio Global City’s tall buildings are slowly filling up the big sky or zoning limits. Certain restrictions of great value in achieving safety are taken for granted by owners and developers and implementing agencies are not firm in implementing them. In Baguio City, some sites were identified restricting buildings to only six storeys, yet higher buildings can be seen in the area. Building on sites near or along fault lines is restricted to 5 meters away from both sides of the fault but many structures stand right on top of them. These non complying structures are the ones that are most risk- prone. Along with more stringent safety standards that are constantly upgraded to adapt to the changing vertical scenario, stricter implementation and monitoring procedural guidelines must be accorded enough emphasis to effect safer highrises in the Philippines. The market is now replete with seismic dampers of different kinds for different applications which can enhance the safety of tall buildings. Incorporating the appropriate system should be highly encouraged especially in high-risks locations. The St. Francis Shangri-La Place in Manila is the world’s first building complex to adopt a damped- outrigger system. It works by inserting Viscous Dampers into the building to act as energy

absorbers and damp out vibrations. It turned out to be more cost-efficient, more sustainable as it uses less material and requires less of the valuable space inside the building.

Are we Building Right?

But being safe is only half the job in urban buildings. It is a fast-changing environment and sustainability is a watchword which starts on the drawing table. More than being current and responsive to environmental calls to save our planet, it is in fact a very practical consideration in terms of occupant satisfaction which envelopes all aspects; social, psychological, physiological, political, economic. Sustainability in urban buildings involves important issues that call for long-range planning. The rapid depletion of non-renewable resources such as water, electricity, land, is an imminent concern not only within the building itself but in the community where it belongs. Garbage and sewage deposits and environmental pollution (air, water and sound) can lead to worse problems if not taken into consideration as early as the conceptualization stage. Physical integration with major public facilities, services and infrastructure may eventually

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fail when the cities’ populations burgeons. Good building management can enormously contribute in saving our scarce resources through sensible use and in controlling environmental pollution. Undoubtedly, the environmental aspect is highly relevant to urban planning which is why “green building”, LEED, sustainability, have become bywords in high rises. Again, the question to ask is if we are considering and implementing to adapt the guidelines as a moral responsibility. Metro Manila is globally infamous for traffic jams and although the government is building up our major transport systems and network, skyscrapers are mushrooming out of control much more rapidly. Some cities like Taguig and Quezon City can still boast of vast government lands where more infrastructure can expand but other cities like Makati and Ortigas, are conspicuously almost saturated. Yet these are two of the busiest in the tall buildings trade. High rise buildings are obviously our urban growth solution but they have repercussions. It is not enough that we are filling the need of the moment; we have to seriously anticipate lest we find our urban development plans at a dead spot.


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cover story

PICE President Engr. David G. Sanchez:

Compassion for Professional Service By: Choy Gaerlan

By: Choy Gaerlan

Giving back to the profession that built and inspired you— this is the career principle that fuels Engr. David G. Sanchez’s compassion for professional service. He is the current president of Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers or PICE. “The one thing that has been prodding me to devote time with PICE—and why I’m taking up the challenge of being it’s president this year— is compassion for service,” the young-looking 47-year old Sanchez said in an interview in his posh and efficient Tektite East Tower office recently. “Many ask me why I took the PICE top post despite my hectic schedule at DM Capital,” Sanchez mused smiling, incidentally referring to his own company, DM Capital Venture Corporation. What’s in it for him? “My real reward here is being able to give back to the profession that built and inspired me through the years, giving my expressed gratitude to the reason why I’m now an engineer.” Indeed, PICE has become a rallying point for civil engineers in expressing their thoughts, concerns and services as one entity for nation building.

Engr. David G. Sanchez

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What PICE Stands For “PICE keeps civil engineers united,” Sanchez instantly answered when asked what PICE was. The fact that it’s the only PRC accredited professional organization for civil engineers in the country makes it easily swell to some 70 thousand plus members in 41 years. It officially started in


members look to the organization for career opportunities and connections

--- Engr. David G. Sanchez

December 11, 1973, a merger of two main groups of civil engineers—the Philippine Society of Civil Engineers (PSCE) and the Philippine Association of Civil Engineers (PACE). PSCE, formed in the late 1920s, concentrated on civil engineers in the government sector, while PACE, created in 1937, focused on those in the private sector. “Today, we have 100 chapters around the world,” Sanchez proudly stated, “where members can participate and make their voices count.” Through the chapters, resources are channeled for needed projects implemented in various localities. He said man power and ways and means are derived from local chapters for practical purposes, like providing free housing for the needy.

“By using what’s available locally, our projects become practicable, economical and truly indigenous.” According to Sanchez, PICE has 6 main specialty service divisions: 1. Structural: concerned with the tangible physical aspects of a project. 2. Hydraulics: anything pertaining to water sourcing, storage, utilization, and development. 3. Geotechnical: matters on earth materials. 4. Environmental: concerns on ecology and natural resources. 5. Transportation: on road networks, highways, and accessibility. 6. Construction Management: on consultancy and design.

Aside from unity and service, Sanchez said PACE is also a means of getting civil engineers together for hammering out internal policies, sharing visions and airing concerns on the industry they feel deserve attention from the authorities. There’s power in numbers and consensus when pointing out urgent changes or introducing solutions. Though sometimes, the government itself enlists PICE’s help together with other professional groups and NGOs for remedying local or national related problems. Furthermore, “PICE is also an apt venue for addressing the concerns and difficulties of individual members, or for disseminating information on researches and technical breakthroughs in the industry, and giving updates on relevant documents like the manual of practice and structural and building codes.” Finally, “members look to the organization for career opportunities and connections,” Sanchez said. “Through it, civil engineers get to connect with each other, as well as meet contractors, designers, and suppliers for business breaks. Moreover, most PICE special events are sponsored by accredited suppliers so that doors of opportunities are opened between them and the members.

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cover story

San Pablo City Chapter - PhilGreen School Inauguration In short, PICE is vital for members’ career advancement. But how about its role in the construction business in general? For instance, what would the industry be like without PICE? “Lacking unity among builders,” was Sanchez’s first quick answer, “and lacking direction and a unified vision. Everyone will just do what he sees fit.” Imagine if each one in the construction industry does his own thing. That would spell constant contradiction, friction and chaos. Nation builders should be orderly in their tasks, first and foremost, and regulated by standard guidelines. And hi-tech order is what Sanchez is eyeing to give back to his profession, among other things. Thus, his serious pursuit of an ISO certification for PICE in the offing.

Major PICE 2014 Goal: ISO Certification

Sanchez is determined to get PICE no less than an ISO9001 certification, version 2008, before the year ends—if possible by September. Already, the process has been started early in the year. “We all know how difficult and complicated getting an ISO certification is. But it eloquently speaks volumes of one’s accomplishment once it is done. It’s proof enough of a major and crucial change done for PICE,” Sanchez averred. He agreed that it would be a major entry to PICE history. What’s a PICE ISO certification for? “First, it’s all about prestige for the organization and members. I don’t know of any other PRC accredited professional organization that has ISO certification. If there is, there aren’t too many, I guess. PICE will be one of them soon, if not the only one,” Sanchez fondly affirmed. “Secondly, that’s highly impressive qualification added to PICE members’ portfolios. Once clients or employers see their PICE membership—and the PICE ISO certification—it would definitely be

Ifugao Chapter- PhilGreen School Inauguration

credit points for them.” Thirdly, it would make PICE undoubtedly world class. All these agree with the organization’s avowed mission and vision: members’ welfare and enhanced professionalism for nation building, respectively.

Ambitious Projects

Aside from an ambitious ISO certification, Sanchez will soon introduce the RF IDs—first ever in the history of the organization. The Radio Frequency Identification, or RF ID, will serve as a member’s permanent ID card; “permanent”

... to minimize expense by using materials and labor right in the location of the project. This cuts down on transportation costs, especially to remote areas.

in the sense that it will soon become the official membership card issued. Its validity is renewable annually for a fee. So far, some 2,000 members are already issued their RF IDs. Stored in the card is the member’s complete personal and PICE related information plus the invisible card validation—visible only when ran through the organization’s computer or website or tapped on door security scanners in the PICE office. Closely linked to RF IDs is the upcoming complete make-over of the PICE official website. Sanchez aims to further enhance the

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organization’s website—to make it more informative, functional, in tune with the times, and more member-friendly. Dubbed as “PICE Live!” it aims for an online site with a highly efficient members’ login. Sanchez noted: “You’d observe that most PRC accredited professional organization websites are static. They’re rarely interactive and cater more to the public than the members. The upcoming PICE website will be different.” Among other things, he aims for IT innovation to boost membership management and overall PICE administration. He hinted that while remaining helpfully informative to nonmembers, the website will afford a sense of exclusivity to members as well as easy online personal data processing and recording conveniences. For instance, they can easily edit their personal information right on the website anytime, anywhere without encountering delays or miscommunication if done the traditional way. Changes are automatically reflected on the RF ID. Sanchez also proudly revealed that membership fees and other payables can soon be transacted on the website. For instance, “members can conveniently register and pay the pertinent fees online for any PICE special event, like the national convention in June.” Other existing website features will be retained, like how construction literature and technical write-ups in aid of career advancement will still be readily available on the site for members. All they have to do is download. “With a mere click, members easily access the downloadable data they need. The new website is targeted to be live before June.” So all aspects of finances pertaining PICE—settling dues, membership renewal, purchasing downloadable literature, or just getting updates on PICE finances—will be possible online. They get all the accounting and auditing details


The Man Behind PICE has a Passion for Organization

EQRP Inspection and reports via the website which will be exclusively available to them, Sanchez said.

Green Engineering

Just in the first quarter of his presidency, Sanchez has started the ball rolling for his personal goals to fast-track PICE— the ISO certification, RF IDs, and the new interactive website with a members’ login feature. While busily attending to these, however, he also oversees other on-going projects that have been PICE tradition, like Project Green Engineering Philippines or PGEP which won the Most Outstanding Civil Engineering Project given by the Asian Civil Engineering or ACE. PGEP is focused on providing classroom extensions to existing provincial public schools in far-flung areas using local labor and indigenous materials. Sanchez stressed that the idea behind localizing PGEP “is to minimize expense by using materials and labor right in the location of the project. This cuts down on transportation costs, especially to remote areas.” PGEP is the brainchild of Sanchez while he was yet with the board of directors. So far, PGEP has helped put up classrooms built with green engineering in 50 provinces nationwide starting 2 years ago in partnership with the Department of Education. In a nut shell, Sanchez said “green engineering designs structures with serious consideration on the environment, sustainability, local resources, the comfort of occupants, natural ventilation, recycled materials, and indigenous materials and design.” He fondly recalled how in one instance most teachers and pupils in one school liked the classroom newly built with green engineering more than they did their old classrooms. And the comment often was that, “the new classroom is more airy.”

PICE Villages

Another continuous project is the construction of contextually designed model houses in what is dubbed as “PICE Villages.” These dwellings are built to suit their environments for the safety and comfort of their local inhabitants. Two hectares of these houses were given away for free in Mindoro and 50 units of the same were given away free in Iligan. However, the PICE Village planned for victims of the Yolanda super typhoon in Tacloban last year is envisioned to be 50 units of model 2-storey houses, also to be given away for free. These houses will be designed with extra protection against floods and wind load allowances against destructive winds as experienced at the height of Yolanda. “Hopefully, upon being proven effective, the government would make it a model for future housing projects in the region,” Sanchez wishfully said. The Tacloban PICE Village houses are a result of the joint research efforts of the Japan Society of Civil engineers and PICE, aimed at adapting measures “for appropriate parameters in design standards,” he added.

On entering his DM Capital Venture Corporation office at the Tektite Towers, in Ortigas, one readily discerns a sense of order and organization about. It isn’t hard to see how the man at the PICE top leadership for 2014, Engr. David G. Sanchez, has a passion for organization. “I want everything in proper order and well organized,” he said, explaining why he thought PICE needed an ISO certification. It sounded reasonable enough—how can an organization cater to its members if it cannot function internally well enough? Sanchez believes that PICE’s first obligation is to its members. “The welfare of members,” was his curt reply when asked what PICE’s main concern should be. The institute should be systematic and well organized to be proficient with the services it gives to members. “If PICE is run well and efficiently with an ISO, then that alone will prove the worth of my presidency. I won’t have to explain myself or my accomplishments. The ISO will be proof enough,” he averred. However, the ISO certification is just one among accomplishments lined up for his one-year presidential stint. To further upgrade the function of the institute and put better organization to the work processes, he aims to improve PICE website functionalities and membership data recording and processes. “Among my thrusts is IT innovation for better management of members and (more systematic) administration of PICE.” Sanchez finished his civil engineering course at the St. Louis University in Baguio City and then topped the board examination in 1987. A year before that, he also topped the Geodetic Engineering board examination. After sharing this personal information rather reluctantly, he recalled an amusing anecdote: “It happened that the board of examiners chief was looking for a design engineer at the time and offered me the job. I gratefully accepted and earned P1,500 a month. That was my first job and salary. “Today, I always feel grateful for all the rewarding experiences I’ve had as an engineer, and I feel I owe it all to this profession. So now is giving-back time.” What was his unforgettable experience as PICE president so far? He considered the question a while and then said: “It’s the risky long treks to remote and deserted places when we visit projects in the provinces, and especially staying in a lonely house alone one night. But I willingly go through with them, just to give back to the profession.” If he had the time—which has become rare these days— Sanchez would like playing golf, which used to be his sport. However, he is more keen at exploring possibilities with IT and the Internet, looking for better ways to put organization into things, like providing competent services to PICE members.

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project report-private

Tagô Render Clubhouse

Continuing the

Mañosa legacy By: Rizal Raoul Reyes

Architect Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa strongly believes the iconic bahaykubo is still a relevant element in Philippine architecture manifested by the growing number of Filipinos who are becoming more aware of the importance of practicing a sustainable lifestyle.

Now that he is retired, his children led by eldest son Dino Mañosa, the chief executive officer of Mañosa & Co. are carrying the torch so to speak in promoting the bahaykubo and Philippine architecture as well. Dino recalls he received a lot of informal lectures from his father on the importance of Filipino-inspired design stressing foreign-inspired designs would not work in the country because have a different climate and culture. More importantly, his father told him that an architect must also factor in the cultural element in the design to ensure the Filipino identity would stand out. Brother Angelo, an architect and sister Bambi, an interior designer, are both helping Dino continue the advocacy of their father and combine it with the modern technologies to build planet-friendly and climate-adaptable homes. “Our distinct architectural design is strongly inspired by a Filipino house−the

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bahaykubo. There is no doubt then the best way to bring that legacy alive and to reinforce our commitment to our craft is to build an actual; liveable home,” says Dino Like his father, Dino believes the design of the bahaykubo has withstood the test of time existing even before the arrival of the Spanish colonizers. By infusing modern technologies, Mañosa & Co. believes it is a relevant concept in the age of climate change. For instance, the stilts are designed to prevent the floodwaters to enter the house. The high pitch roof design of the house allows the hot air during the summer season to dissipate with the indigenous materials. During the rainy season, a high pitch roof as a deflector of the rain. To ensure a cool atmosphere, large windows promote cross ventilation of air. Dino says a typical home in their Tagô project in Tagaytay city embodies the bahaykubo principle. The roof is patterned after the split interpretation of the high-pitched roof which includes deep overhangs and sunshades to protect the façade from rain and direct solar radiation. Wide windows, derived from the traditional nipa hut, and a clear space at the center, are also present for passive cooling, crossventilation, and light paths to penetrate the living space. Tagô is a 2.6 hectare project composed of 52 single detached homes. It took the concept of the bahaykubo with an inspiration from the Maranaw culture.


such as solar panels and turbines, comes in” says Dino. The introduction of the Philippine Green Building Council for Building for Ecologically Responsive Design (BERDE) excellence certification has reinforced the status of the company’s residential projects including Tagô as truly green structures. To ensure a balanced ecological system, Tagô has a rain water collection system that optimizes the use of water for plant irrigation and other water needs. Further, all organic wastes from each home are composted and used in the garden.

Dino Manosa Dino points out that they are suggesting people to live in homes built along the principles of a bahaykubo or bahay-nabato house. He adds the perspective of modern Philippine architecture states the bahaykubo provides a surprisingly practical template for designing sustainable, environment-friendly and energy house houses and buildings. Angelo’s work won the grand prize in the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE) competition in 2010 for its sustainable features. To put a local green flavour in the design, Dino says their company uses indigenous materials found throughout the property. Bamboo, mat-woven ceilings, and an araal and adobe wall made of native stones are used to lower carbon footprint and soften the aesthetics of the home. Last but not the least, MPI always includes the Mañosa signature staircase with señorita steps, which gives all generations an easy way go of going up and down the staircase.

Aware of the fact that the current environment needs diverse needs, their firm is a conglomeration of disciplines that can offer various services. It has a full staff of architects, interior designers, urban designers and planners, environmental architects, model makers, industrial designers and landscapers. Other disciplines such as structural, mechanical, electrical, sanitary and plumbing engineers are an integral part of the firm’s consulting staff who work independently but can participate as associates as needed. Dino says his father has consistently promoted the Filipino design in his previous projects such as the Coconut Palace, San Miguel building, the Papal altar, EDSA Shrine, Ateneo Professional Law School at Rockwell Center in Makati City, Pearl Farm Resort in Davao, Amanpulo Resort in Palawan, and Mactan Shangri-La Hotel in Cebu. “We would rather offer few, select units that project our design sensibilities that give us value on the liveability. The price may be a bit higher, yes, but we clearly communicate to our buyers that the outline of each house are not meant for an added expense; but an added value on its liveability,” says Dino.

Our developments are innovative in many aspects and emanates from our guiding vision that is Filipino architecture as well as the integration of green features which embodies sustainable philosophy

—Dino Manosa Even his father’s home in Ayala Alabang is inspired by the bahaykubo. “You can find all the vegetables mentioned in the song in my Dad’s home. Instead of the expensive species of fish, he has tilapia in his pond,” says Dino “Our developments are innovative in many aspects and emanates from our guiding vision that is Filipino architecture as well as the integration of green features which embodies sustainable philosophy,”|says Dino. The Mañosa group is composed of three units−the architectural firm called Mañosa Company, the Mañosa Properties Inc, the real estate arm and the Mañosa Design, the interior design firm of the group. MPI first graced the real estate industry with such artisanal signature through its pioneering residential communities in New Manila, Quezon City—Lantana Lane and Ylang Lane. When asked what the most exciting project he has handled is, Dino says it’s the next one. “Each project is different, innovative project which gives us fun and the same time earn from it,” he says.

Apart from the elements of the bahaykubo, Tagô’ has an open-plan design with green zones, air passages, and wide spaces to enable residents to experience the invigorating environment of Tagaytay. Dino points out their firm always aim to make their projects 70 to 80 percent green through the organic route. They factor in the wind directions and sun paths which serve as the basis for the placements and sizes of doors, windows, and walls. “The remaining 20-30% is where technology,

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architect PROFILE

Arch. Joycelyn B. Mananghaya

Treading the path least taken in Architecture By: Ma. Nenevetch Reyes

Arch. Joycelyn B. Mananghaya

Most architects are passionately pursuing futuristic Architecture but here lies the truth: that even in architecture, the future is shaped by our past. Heritage properties are history in themselves. They quietly tell stories of man’s journey through time, of cultural associations, of spiritual and religious systems, of how men utilized natural resources, how creativity was expressed or how technologies progressed. These are what put value in properties and structures and that which Cultural heritage organizations aim to preserve. Conservation of heritage sites and properties is no simple feat. In fact, it entails immense dedication and commitment to the cause for it is a job with few rewards. Architect Joycelyn B. Mananghaya has resolutely dedicated the rest of the productive years in her career life to such a cause. She has been a Heritage Conservation Architect since 2004 and has held different posts in the field of World Heritage in the Philippines. For years, she was the Focal Point for World Heritage concerns of UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM).

She is also an Expert Member of the International Scientific Council on Cultural Landscapes (ISC CL/IFLA) which is under the flagship of ICOMOS (International Council of Monuments and Sites) Philippines, and is Trustee and Founding Member of ICOMOS Philippines. As if that’s not enough, she held the posts of Vice Head and Secretary/Execon Member of the National Committee on Monuments and Sites (NCMS) and vice-chairs the Technical Working Group. NCMS is under the umbrella of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Of these, she says, “I find fulfilment by being involved in the process of ensuring that part of our heritage is passed on to the next generations. In this ritualistic act of allowing the smooth transition of heritage to the future, we conservators take the lead. But conserving is a job by many men from across different generations. Now is my time to help in whatever way I can. When my time is up, someone will

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fill the void and continue the work. My contribution is but a speck in the whole process of lengthening the life of a heritage property but I am truly happy to be part of it.” There is another job she holds. She is in the academe - as Dean of Feati University College of Architecture, and to her belongs much of the credit of the continuing transformation of the College; and as Associate Professor of the graduate program at University of Sto. Tomas. Armed with a diploma in B.S. Architecture from the University of the Philippines in 1987, she started with stints as draftsperson to two prominent Architects. She later on, became a designer, until finally, she partnered with a friend to put up a small design and construction business. “It was fun in the beginning and we were earning enough,” Mananghaya related. But soon, the challenge of the job started to wane and so did her zest and enthusiasm. She felt she needed to do something else that will inspire her out of her bed in the mornings. Through the proddings of former mentor Arch. Geronimo V. Manahan, she decided to seek higher education. As fate would have it, she was offered a scholarship on Heritage Conservation in Mexico City by the then dean of UP College of Architecture, Arch. Honrado Fernandez.


During the ICOMOS 17th General Assembly in Paris with Ivan Henares, fellow ICOMOS Philippines member She completed her Masters Degree in Architecture, specializing in the Restoration of Historic Monuments (Escuela Nacional de Conservación, Restauración y Museografía “Manuel del Castillo Negrete” del Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH), in Churubusco, México, in 2002. Aside from that, she holds a number of certificates on cultural heritage courses such WH Conservation and Management among others.

I enjoy the beauty in the discord that it creates. As much as I appreciate tradition, I am a very unconventional person.

Saving our World Heritage, the Banaue Rice Terraces

Saving our World Heritage, At work after the Bohol the Banaue Rice Terraces earthquake In 2005, the Rice Terraces was put under the List of WH in Danger by UNESCO and corrective measures were identified that would constitute its removal from the said list. Under the auspices of UNACOM, where Mananghaya was Culture Commissioner, she spearheaded the team tasked to do the rehabilitation job.

Restoration of tangible values included stabilizing the watersheds, irrigation systems and paddies, planting on abandoned areas, rehabilitation of deteriorated parts and removal of shanties and other structures that destroyed the natural beauty of the property. On the other hand, the revival of waning cultural practices and traditions associated with the Rice Terraces constituted the corrective measures for the intangible aspects. The said site was finally removed from the Danger List in 2012, thanks to the collaborative efforts put together by the community, the Philippine government and the international sector which Arch. Mananghaya dedicatedly wove together. The two most recent devastations that hit our islands in the Visayas late last year created a huge blow to heritage conservation. Many of our historical edifices, most of them centuries-old churches, were destroyed. But Mananghaya says, with enough financial and technical expertise, most of them are still restorable.

“Approach to conservation/restoration will have to consider not only what the government wants but also what the stakeholders think it should be since they are the end users of these sites. International standards may be referred to vis-a-vis our traditional ways of building. I strongly think that the damaged historic structures’ inherent building traditions should remain as basis for restoration/ reconstruction. If there is a need for an interface of modern structural retrofitting methods, the manner by which it will be done must be deeply reflected upon,”she said. Mananghaya further explained that adding to the complexity of the task is the fact that the sites and the remaining structures and foundations need to be thoroughly assessed according to how they will behave to a particular restoration approach. In the hierarchy of heritage properties, there are those that are internationally recognized as World Heritage sites by UNESCO and at the national level are those declared as national heritage. For World Heritage, the national government nominates a site or structure for listing in the World Heritage list, which must meet at least one of ten criteria and must be of Outstanding Universal Value (OUV). According to the operational guidelines of World Heritage Convention,

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architect PROFILE

With students and members of the faculty of Feati University COA “OUV means that the cultural or natural significance is so exceptional that it transcends national boundaries and is of common importance for the present and future generations of all humanity; and as such the permanent protection of this heritage is of the highest importance to the international community as a whole.” At the national level, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is the overarching cultural agency in the conservation, protection and promotion of cultural properties and sites of national significance. Heritage declarations are made under either of the two main cultural agencies, the National Musuem (NM) which declares cultural heritage properties, or the National Historical or Cultural Properties (NHCP), which declares properties of historic significance. Architect Mananghaya relates that nominations, although they constitute long, hard work, does not always yield positive results as in the case of the Batanes Islands in which the nomination was disapproved. Mananghaya is also one of ICOMOS’ (International) experts tasked to do evaluations for WH inscriptions. Although she is deeply engrossed with heritage properties, Mananghaya’s love for modernity never diminished. Instead she found inspiration in the meeting of modern Architecture with tradition, just like, she said, in Jean Nouvell’s designs. “In Jean Nouvell’s project of the Quai Branly Museum in Paris, there is radical play in his interjecting contemporary art into the Paris’ historic landscape. Paris is largely traditional and historic but he successfully disobeyed conventions,

dispelled traditions and ignored historic norms by designing a building that, according to critiques, spell contextual disunity,” explained Arch. Mananghaya. “I enjoy the beauty in the discord At work after the Bohol earthquake that it creates. As much as I appreciate tradition, I am a very how much selflessness and dedication go in this job than the fact that financial unconventional person.” remuneration of conservators are most And while she claims to be very often not commensurate to the magnitude unconventional, heritage conservation, of efforts rendered. Nonetheless, Arch. in contrast, is all about traditions, rules, Mananghaya has no plans of retiring from norms, standards and conventions, this job. She says that when she is too old “which is perfectly fine because the goal to do the run-arounds, her advocacy will is to preserve and conserve tradition for still continue. posterity’s sake,” she explained. In her job as dean, she finds a different As such, it can prove to be very kind of joy and fulfillment. “What I like restricting in terms of creativity because about being in the academe is it allows usually, an architect’s creation is an me to follow my other dreams, albeit in extension of himself. It bears an imprint theory. I have always dreamed of being an of his personality, individual style and Architect of the likes of Jean Nouvell who design philosophy and when he develops has the courage to transcend traditions. It a distinct character and design perfected may be too late for that dream now, but in through repetition, it becomes his “own”, the academe, I am presented with a venue a signature which is almost synonymous to nurture thinking outside the box. I like to impress upon my students learning that with his name. can be gained not only from books; for In heritage conservation, there is them to be critical thinkers and to think little room for an architect’s quest for past what is apparent.” recognition and distinction. The task is to Somehow, her passion and appreciation restore or preserve somebody else’s work of art; and none of the conservationist’s for the old and the new, the traditional and personality or design philosophy may be the contemporary, the conventional and showcased in such jobs save for those the unconventional were able to co-exist that are within the precepts of Heritage in her career in a wonderful balance. In heritage conservation, she deals with the Conservation. old and the past, with traditions, rules, Mananghaya underlines this further, norms and limits. In the academe, she is saying, “Being a heritage conservationist able to stay grounded on the present while is never about you or your profession. allowing her to think futuristic, to express It is always about the structure or site.” her creativity, and to explore architecture Nothing can probably better highlight sans the rules and norms.

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supplier’s PROFILE

Nippon Paints (Coatings) enters Philippine market By: Rizal Raoul Reyes

Worrying of being told that their preferred color is not available or in stock is now a thing of the past with Nippon Paint Colour Creations tinting machines. In fact, with over 10,000 paint formulations in our library, Filipinos will soon be spoilt for choice.

Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines, Inc. recently entered the Philippine market with high expectations brought about by the country’s booming economy. Spearheading Nippon Paint’s blitz into the Philippines is Nippon Paint Malaysia Group, principal owners of Nippon Paint (Coating) Philippines. It is the current leader in the Malaysian market with 40 percent market share. Nippon Paint Malaysia introduced total coating solutions for all forms of substrates and surfaces that will be surely in high demand in the country’s booming construction and property sector. Aside from the Philippines, Nippon Paint Malaysia is also present in Papua New Guinea, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Being bullish on the Philippine economy, Nippon Paint Malaysia Group will be investing P100 million into Nippon

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Paint (Coating) Philippines and eyeing P1.5 billion in sales in the next three years. To make the paint colors accessible to the Filipinos, Nippon Paint (Coatings) Philippines will field their Nippon Colour Creations tinting machines to be placed in paint centers and modern trade outlets all over the Philippines. Also known as “mini Nippon Paint factories,” these machines are capable in producing thousands of colors, on demand, thus providing Filipinos convenience in finding their color of choice. “Worrying of being told that their preferred color is not available or in stock is now a thing of the past with Nippon Paint Colour Creations tinting machines. In fact, with over 10,000 paint formulations in our library, Filipinos will soon be spoilt for choice,” said Nippon Paint Malaysia


14001:2004- certified company, Nippon Paint Philippines can guarantee that all of its products conform to international quality standard wherein they undergo strict quality control in every stage of production, from raw material preparation to packing. Further, the company operates in compliance with Philippine and international environmental protection rules and regulations. Nippon Paint Philippines is anchored on five corporate objectives namely customer satisfaction, continuous growth, human resources development, service to the community and profitability.

History of Nippon Paint

group managing director Yaw Seng Heng. Nippon Paint (Coating) Philippines provides coating requirements for home, architecture, industrial and automotive.

Nippon Paint Philippines

Nippon Paint Philippines Inc (NPP) was inaugurated in 1976 in Manila. In response to the growing demand for paint in the 90s, With growing paint demands in the 90’s, the company put up a bigger plant in Cabuyao, Laguna in 1996 with an estimated capacity of 2,500tons/month. In 1995, Paint Marketing Company Philippines Inc. was established as the exclusive and sole distributor of Nippon Paint products. The Cabuyao plant currently produces industrial paints for automotive, appliances, coils, motorcycles and other related industries. NPP also manufactures auto refinishes, and varnishes. To enable Nippon products to be easily available throughout the country and to provide quality service to customers, a distribution networks are set up. With more than 10 big dealers all over the Philippines, PMC crafted an efficient channel that will reach out to the increasing demand of quality yet reasonably-priced products. By being an ISO 9001:2000 and

Nippon Paint, currently the biggest manufacturer in Asia, was founded by Moteki Jujiro in 1881. It introduced the first paint plant in Japan and has become the world’s leading international paint manufacturer. The company said customers were the key in making the company very successful. Anchored on its three key principles “Innovation, Service, Leadership” principles, Nippon Paint believes it will achieve sustainable growth by harmonizing people, nature and society. As part of its overseas expansion, Nippon Paints relocated its manufacturing facilities in the latter half of the 20th century and is expected to grow in the 21st century. Nippon Paint embarked on its initial bid toward globalization when it set up a joint venture in Singapore in 1962. It has about 30 companies spread throughout Asia, North America and Europe, including production plants and offices, which play a vital role in its overseas expansion. The plan to expand its overseas operations is in response to the anticipated fiercer competition in the global market.

Nippon Paint is determined to become a dominant player in the global arena “operating in a borderless manner as a genuine multinational corporation.”

Yaw Seng Heng

Yaw Heng Seng is currently the managing director for Nippon Paint Malaysia group of companies. He joined the company in 1985 as a trainee sales executve. He rose through the ranks handling in his more than two decades with the company. Having an entrepreneurial mindset, Yaw is being credited for leading the company to be market leader in coatings brand in Malaysia. Further, he also led in the expansion of the brand by entering the Pakistan and Bangladesh markets in 2006 and 2011 respectively. In 2014, he entered the Philippine coatings market. In the innovation category, Yaw introduced new technology-centric methods and challenged the “business as usual” practices. His efforts were recognized when Nippon Paints Malaysia won reputable awards from Frost and Sullivan, Putra Brand Award and Readers’ Digest Trusted Brand Award. Yaw was also responsible in the implementation of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System in 1994 and both the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System and the Occupational Health and Safety Assessment System (OHSAS 18001) in 2006. He played a key role in the company’s implementation of the SAP system in 2002 that saw a big increase in productivity and efficiency. Yaw was born on January 10, 1961. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science major in Chemistry at the University of Malaya.

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RISK MANAGEMENT

Construction Insurance and its Benefits Construction Insurances required on every construction project are of different types to meet different needs

C

onstruction insurances can provide coverage for material, risks, natural disasters, employees, etc., both for the contractor and owner. Below are discussed the most common forms of insurance in the construction industry. Liability Insurance Contractors, builders, and remodelers require Liability Insurance as protection from financial damages due to accidents, injuries and property damage suffered on the job. The job site is one of the most dangerous working places to work. Workers can get hurt, accidentally damage property, mishandle tools and materials, etc., and it is only prudent that contractors are protected from financial damages. The same holds for sub-contractors, they should have some form of liability insurance before starting work in a construction site. Construction Liability insurance protects builders from unexpected lawsuits and a must for all builders. Every sub contractor must carry their own insurance to protect contractor from any damage they or their workers may cause during the construction project. It is recommended that insurance coverage should be twice or three times the amount of the construction budget. No matter the size of the job it is always good business practice to maintain adequate insurance coverage on the job. Limits There are limits on construction liability

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insurance such as limits per occurrence and limits of aggregate values. There are also limitations for fire damage due to property under construction as well with medical expenses for worker’s injuries suffered on the job site not covered under workers compensation. Builder’s Risk Insurance Builder’s Risk Insurance is a kind of insurance that covers the building that is being constructed before it is yet built. It is also called ‘Course of Construction’ and it is a form of property insurance. This insurance covers not only the structure under construction but also materials on site waiting to be installed or transported to the job site. This type of policy covers damages up to the coverage limit. This limit needs to accurately show the total completed value of the structure, inclusive of materials and labor but not including land. The best way of determining the correct limit of insurance is the construction budget of the project. Coverage for damages under this policy includes a wide range of events including fire, wind, theft, lightning, hail, explosions, vandalism, and vehicles. There are limitations and exclusions which should be well understood by a thorough reading of the policy. Such exclusions normally cover: Earthquakes, Employee theft, Water damage, Weather damage to property in the open, War, Government action, Contract


Performance Bond A Performance Bond is a guarantee for the satisfactory completion of the project. It is normally issued by a bank or an insurance company wherein both act as guarantor or “surety”. The Performance Bond is guarantee that should the contractor be unable to complete the project within the specified time as agreed under the terms of the contract, the bonding company will either pay for the completion of the project or hire a contractor to complete the project. The Performance Bond protects the owner from losses in case a contractor fails to perform or unable to deliver the project as specified under contract. The surety is responsible to compensate the owner for losses in cases where in the contractor defaults, declares bankruptcy, etc., with losses defined as the amount covered under the performance bond. The contract needs to be clear and specific about the work that is to be performed to be effective. The contractor cannot be held liable for vague descriptions open to different interpretations. Payments from the performance bond are only available to the project or property owner and no one else can make claims against it. Hold Harmless Agreement A Hold Harmless Agreement is normally provided by the subcontractor to the contractor, builder, owner, and other related construction professionals ensuring work being performed by the subcontractor. It is a contract clause normally included in construction contracts. A Hold Harmless Agreement clause in the construction contract document shall contain specific language to protect the contractor and other parties. The agreement must include provisions against any kind of claims, damages, losses expenses, or any kind of claim against the contractor in case of any dispute in the construction project. This agreement should also include terms that

will protect the contractor from claims and corporations not part of the contract agreement. Types of Hold Harmless Agreements Hold Harmless Agreements come in 3 types; The Broad Form, Limited Form and Intermediate Form. In the Broad Form Agreement the subcontractor being insured assumes all related liability for accidents, be it due to its own negligence, general contractor negligence, or the combined negligence of both, the contractor and subcontractor. In cases where both parties are negligent the subcontractor is deemed liable. This form of agreement is not recommended due to its broad coverage of responsibility and in many cases this type of agreement has been found invalid. To validate this type of agreement the subcontractor needs a separate additional insurance policy. The Limited Form Agreement holds the subcontractor liable only for acts that are under his proportional responsibility. Other parties shall be covered by their respective hold harmless agreements for their corresponding part of accidents or negligence. The Intermediate Form is the most common of hold harmless agreements. It holds the subcontractor liable for only his actions and is not held liable for accidents or negligence due to contractor’s action or inaction. In cases where both parties are at fault the subcontractor is liable only for his actions or omissions. Bid Bond Surety A Bid Bond guarantees the project owner that the contractor is capable and financially capable of complying with the bid contract and able to successfully accomplish the job

in accordance with the terms of the contract. Since project owners do not normally know if the contractor is capable and financially stable with the necessary resources to undertake a project, they are more comfortable to award a project to a contractor with a bid bond, knowing that if the project fails they are able to collect compensation from the surety company. One advantage of bid bonds is that it discourages contractors from submitting frivolous bids since they would be obligated to perform the job or pay bond premiums and other damages otherwise. Bonding companies also conduct comprehensive credit and financial reviews before agreeing to provide bonds for a company. Flood Insurance Flood insurance usually has a queue of 30 days to avoid insurance solicitation when a flood is about to occur. Floods occur in the following forms: Tidal Water, Overflow of Inland Water, Unusual accumulation of Runoff Water, Mudflows, and Water exceeding normal levels. Flood insurance policies depend on several factors but most will insure damage to property and personal belongings. Flood insurance normally covers the following: Building and Foundations, Mechanical and Electrical machineries, Air Conditioners and Heaters, Permanent Wall Divisions, Blinds, Carpets, and Removal of debris. As with any insurance coverage flood insurance also has limitations which need to be understood, such as: Damage that could have been avoided by building owner, Currency or money and stock certificates, Items not inside the structure covered by the insurance policy, Temporary housing expenses, and money or opportunities lost due to business interruption. Based on an article by Juan Rodriguez

www.blog.tradesmen.ie

penalties, Mechanical breakdowns and Voluntary parting. Damages from faulty design, planning, workmanship and material is another exclusion whose terms must be read in its entirety and fully understood. The Builder’s Risk Insurance do not cover the property of others, liability nor for tools or equipment, it also does not cover accidents in the jobsite. Coverage ends when the building is completed or occupied.

May - June 2014 Philippine Construction&Design

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PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGY SCS MODEL ELECTRONIC TRUCK SCALES SCS MODEL ELECTRONIC TRUCK SCALES are the new generation of scales improved on the basis of traditional truck scales. Adopting excellent branded bridge load cells and weighing indicator originally manufactured through Japanese technology with good anti – interference performance. Our truck scale model is the best choice of trade balance weighing used in metallurgical industry, coal industry, factory and mine, wharf and warehouse. ADDRESS & CONTACT NO. • MAIN OFFICE: - 25 Arty 1 St., Brgy. Talipapa, Novaliches, Quezon City Metro Manila 1116 - Tel No.: (02) 447 - 1977 / 447 – 7777 - Fax No.: 448 - 1111 - E-mail: monsterweigher@yahoo.com BRANCHES • CEBU Branch: (032) 345 - 6111 • CAGAYAN DE ORO Branch: (088) 310 - 5777 • ISABELA Branch: (078) 652 - 1212 • DAVAO Branch: (082) 233 – 1111

PP-R PIPES AND FITTINGS For Hot and Cold Water

Advantages: • Resistant to corrosion • Leak Proof • For hot and cold Water • Can be connected to any other material used in existing installations • Easy installation • High Impact strength and flexibility PP-R Pipes and Fittings Manufacutured by Tanay Industries Corp. For more information contact LYS Marketing Corporation with Telephone No.: (632) 4122452; 4127155

COLOR THEME of ASUKI (BLUE) 1. C=100, M=62, Y=0, K=20 (Primary Color) 2. C=100, M=10, Y=0, K=10 (Secondary Color)

9100 system DTM Epoxy Mastic

Superior protection that requires no priming: • Maximum corrosion protection • Applicable floor to ceiling, • Less prep and application time • VOC compliant For more information Contact Holz Coatings Int’l. Inc. at Tel. No.: (+632) 6425022; (+632) 5702491 e-mail: holz@ holzcoatings.com, visit www.rustoleum. com/industrial.

44 | Philippine Construction&Design  May - June 2014


Polyethylene Drum Mixer This 9-cu-ft concrete mixer powered by a Honda GX240 gasoline engine with a polyethylene drum reduces clean-ups, and saves time and money. A simple tap with a rubber mallet cleans out dried material in minutes without dents or cracks. Heavy-duty tubular steel frame with forklift pockets and low maintenance provides years of reliable service. Multiquip Inc. www.multiquip.com

BLASTCRETE MX-10 CONCRETE PUMP MX-10 concrete mixer/pump handles up to 2,500 pounds of material. The 3-inch swing tube piston pump operates with up to 2,200 psi to install up to 12 tons of material per hour. The electrical controls are mounted on the 22-square-foot platform and positioned away from the mixer to remain free from debris and water. The unit is mounted on dual 7,000-pound capacity axles, and lifting eyes on the platform allow operators to use a crane to lift the machine and place it on a flatbed for traveling longer distances. Optional skidmounted framework reduces the overall length, width and height of the machine. Engine options include John Deere 4045T 99-horsepower or Deutz BF4M 2012 102-horsepower water-cooled diesels, as well as electric motors.

IMT MID-RANGE ARTICULATING CRANES The IMT 9 tm, 10 tm, 11 tm and 12 tm models have been enhanced with new options, features and ratings. The 9/65, 10/72, 11/78 and 12/86 cranes have ratings ranging from 65,100 lb.-ft. to 86,075 lb.-ft. and maximum lift capacities from 8,380 pounds to 10,230 pounds. New features include SL (single link) or DL (dual link) options, 15-degree “overbending,” and weight reduced by 10 to 15 percent from previous models. Each crane can be fitted with up to five hydraulic extensions to provide application-specific reach. The new cranes feature ultra-high tensile steel, and the mounting space required has been reduced to 2 feet 5 inches. A key feature standard on all IMT articulating crane models is the RCL (rated capacity limiter) 5300. The RCL system monitors the crane’s load moment, operation and function. In an overload situation, the system warns the operator and interrupts the distribution of oil for crane functions, while allowing functions that reduce load moment to remain operational. The RCL 5300 cooperates with the user and compensates when the RCL senses a situation requiring intervention.

KOMATSU WA470-7 WHEEL LOADER BOASTS 8 PERCENT FUEL REDUCTION

Komatsu WA470-7 wheel loader has a 272-horsepower Komatsu SAA6D125E-6 engine that is Tier 4-Interim certified and consumes 8 percent less fuel than its predecessor.

Komatsu WA470-7 wheel loader has a 272-horsepower Komatsu SAA6D125E-6 engine that is Tier 4-Interim certified and consumes 8 percent less fuel than its predecessor, the WA470-6. Operating weight is 52,007 pounds and the loader has Komatsu Smart Loader Logic (KSLL), which matches engine torque to the application and reduces fuel consumption. A newly designed Komatsu Large Capacity Torque Converter with Lock-Up provides improved acceleration, faster hill climb ability, a higher top speed and lower fuel consumption. A high-resolution 7-inch LCD monitor features enhanced capabilities and displays information in 25 languages for global support. Komatsu CARE complimentary scheduled maintenance is standard for three years or 2,000 hours. Also included are two complimentary DPF exchanges.

May - June 2014 Philippine Construction&Design

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www.tradekorea.com

PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGY

FE 32 Magnetic drilling machine FE 32 is a compact, versatile magnetic drilling machine for all drilling purposes, hole cutters and twist drills. This machine is powered by a 900 watt Eibenstock drill. A continuous internal coolant system is an optional supply for this machine. FE POWERTOOLS BV

Kobelco Unleashes the SK55SRx A brand new Kobelco SK55SRx model is now available to the North and South American markets. Kobelco Construction Machinery USA’s SK55SRx is a mini-excavator that delivers full size performance and short radius agility from its compact footprint. This new machine comes in both cab and canopy models. The 11,050 lb. (5,012 kg) SK55 is engineered to supply maximum digging power while maintaining a short tail swing. Its 37.4 hp, water-cooled Yanmar diesel engine is not only powerful, but also fuel efficient, delivering operational cost savings through its multiple modes, including an “energy conservation mode,” which can easily be engaged with the push of a button when the work at hand allows the operator to run the equipment at lower power and performance levels, providing greater job efficiencies

Hyundai’s New HR120C-9 Compaction Roller The 26,455 lb. (12,000 kg) HR120C-9 roller has a drum width of 6 ft. 10 in. (2 m), a drum diameter of 4 ft. 11 in. (1.5 m) and a drum thickness of 1.18 in. (3 cm). Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas Inc.’s HR120C-9 compaction roller is a single drum vibratory roller, designed for safety, comfort and premium performance, and is suitable for soil and aggregate compaction in applications such as residential and commercial site prep and road construction. The 26,455 lb. (12,000 kg) HR120C-9 roller has a drum width of 6 ft. 10 in. (2 m), a drum diameter of 4 ft. 11 in. (1.5 m) and a drum thickness of 1.18 in. (3 cm). Front and rear scrapers are provided to remove material such as humid or cohesive soils when compacted. As an optional accessory, a pad foot segment kit can be attached to the smooth drum and the drum unit itself can be easily dismantled without lifting gear.

The MX30E Multi-X Oscillating Tool can be used for cutting, grinding, scraping and sanding applications. Equipt with toolless accessory change lever, 3.0A amp rating. Adjustable speed from 8,000 to 20,000 oscillations per minute; Bosch Constant Response Circuitry allows users to maintain constant speed under a heavy load; Reinforced gear housing cuts down on tool vibration; Optional dust collection kit available. BOSCH POWER TOOLS & ACCESSORIES

PosiTector 200 Coating Thickness Gratings/platforms Features: Anti Thief, Light weight/low installation cost, Corrosion/ Gage Fire Resistant, Very Low noise on impact payload, Many colors

The PosiTector 200 coating thickness gage nondestructively measure the thickness of paint and coating on concrete. It can measure total thickness or up to three individual layer thicnesses in a multi-layer system. Features included extended range probes, faster measuring speed, large impact-resistant Lexan display, IP5X ingress protection and protective rubber holster. The PosiTector 200 conforms to ASTM D6132 and ISO 2808. DEFELSKO CORPORATION

www.forconstructionpros.com

m chtools.co

www.bos

MX30E Oscillating Tool

46 | Philippine Construction&Design  May - June 2014

available, Bearing and Load Standard.

Serial No. Application Capacity 1 Walk Platform 2kN/m2 equivalent uniformly distributed load. 2 Platform between 3.5 kN/m2 Equivalent uni stairs formly distributed load. 3 Overhaul Platform 4kN/m2 equivalent uniformly distributed load. 4 Staircase Tread Proposed by the clients. Exclusively Distributed by: D.B. International Sales & Services, Inc. for more information call Tel. No.: (632) 723.4460 to 64 or visit www.dbiphil.com


LANKO 101 PARENTDUIT 101 PARENDUIT is a skim smoothing rendering paste to be mixed with cement or gypsum for levelling uneven surfaces and filling small bubbles in concrete surfaces. A smooth surface is obtained by eliminating blemishes such as grooves, seams and rock pockets. USES: Interior / Exterior, Reinforced concrete; Precast concrete panels; Traditional rendering mortars. Interior only: Lightweight concrete or lightweight block. Gypsum board (in gypsum mix). For more information call PAREX Group Inc. Tel. (632) 672 1708 Fax. (632) 672.17.07 e-mail: philippines@ parexdavco.com or visit http://www.parexgroup.com.ph.

The rock security

Serious about security?

full-colour wide series refina

Various colour with the unique design to achieve elegance with style. For more information call Panasonic Philippines Eco Solutions Group Tel. No.: (02) 886-6291-94, visit www.panasonic. com.ph available in all leading electrical and hardware stores nationwide.

Having a CCTV installed at your place does not guarantee your safety. But it’s a good start. Choose the cameras for your security system that not only clearly catch the image as it happens, but deliver as crisp images when you review. Can you review/ replay the images clearly? Does your system send alerts when suspicious accurrence is detected? Can you view and monitor while you are mobile? Does your system reliably save and put a time stamp on the recorded data? if you are serious about your security for your home or business. Choose the provider that can give you the total solution. Our research and development team continues to develop products using leading technology and innovative design. For more information call The Rock Security Tel. No.: (+632) 7095125 E-mail: info@therocksecurity. com visit www.therocksecurity.com

CP HYDRAULIC POWERPACK

Rite Hite, Revolution Fan, HVLS (High Volume Low speed) Move the most air over the largest area at the lowest cost Benefits. Improve worker productivity, Year round comfort for employees & factory workers, Energy savings, Cools down warehouses to protect product during storage Please visit our Website: http:// www.ritehitefans.com, Exclusively sold by Basic Machinery & Acoustics Corporation at Suite 103, TWG, Makati Cinema Square, TWG, Chino Roces Ave. Tel. 811 1572 – 73, Fax. 811 1652 Email: info@basicmac.com

CP Hydraulic Powerpack is an extremely versatile hydraulic driven power generator construction equipment which has attachments for breaking, cutting, coring, pile driving and water pump. It functions as a compact hydraulic system similar to that backhoes. Attachments such the BRK 70 can be connected to the powerpack can be used as a 70 pound jackhammer. Another useful attachment is the SAW 14 which can be used as a 12-14” concrete cutter. Other attachments can provide other extremely useful functions which will help user accomplish the job faster, can just load it in a pickup truck or SUV then perform all the necessary road works. Compare to using the conventional screw compressors which need to be towed behind a separate vehicle or a large and heavy concrete cutter which takes up a lot of space, the user can just bring the powerpack and use the attachments to get the same job done. Save time, save space, save effort, cost savings.

For more information contact Elektro Werk at 411-0333; 724-1686.

May - June 2014 Philippine Construction&Design

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47


PRODUCTS & TECHNOLOGY SECTION

www.forconstructionpros.com

Atlas Copco is launching a new surface crawler simulator for operator training – the SmartROC T operator simulator. The SmartROC T simulator uses the original controls identical to those on the drilling equipment. This provides students with a realistic training environment. The advanced control system is also integrated into the simulator, giving students the opportunity to use all the features of the actual drilling equipment. The simulator is part of a new classroom training module that is both easy to move around while still having a moving platform. The training can be done from the standard operator seat or from the original RRC control. All scenarios can be done in the dark so that all realistic environments can be trained. A comprehensive training package is also offered to go with the simulator, the Master Driller program. This consists of three different levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold) that take the operator from classroom training and simulator training to actual training on the drilling equipment. ATLAS COPCO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

DuraHook Roll-Off Pothole Patcher The DuraHook features the proven method of spray-injection patching used by thousands of DuraPatcher owners around the world. In national tests, sprayinjection patching has ranked highest for cost effectiveness versus other methods including hot-mix patching. DuraHook permanently patches a pothole in four easy steps through one nozzle: Compressed air cleans the pothole of loose debris; An emulsion is sprayed into the hole as a binder; Emulsion coated aggregate is sprayed with sufficient force to compact it and fill the hole; Dry aggregate is sprayed over the patch to allow traffic to resume immediately. Equipped with a 74 hp John Deere diesel engine, operates self-sufficiently without power from the truck. Capacity: 6 yards aggregate, 250 gallons emulsion. Available in truck-mounted and trailer-mounted configurations requiring one or two man operation. DURAPATCHER

SP Series Spray Injection Pothole Patchers

www.forconstructionpros.com

The SP5, SP8 and SPT Spray Injection Patchers from Bergkamp come with an exclusive dual-chamber aggregate hopper that allows users to apply two grades of aggregate for more efficient repair of deeper potholes. A version with automatic operations from the truck cab is available in addition to manual operations from the ground in front of the truck. The trailermounted SPT patcher is manually controlled. BERGKAMP INC

www.pres

s.lectura.d

e

Putzmeister Introduces New Line of Pipe Systems Putzmeister Pipe Technology, a division of Putzmeister America, Inc., has partnered with a new pipe supplier to introduce an exclusive line of single and dual wall induction-hardened pipe systems for use with its concrete boom pumps, and in highrise, mining and industrial applications. The new line of pipes are designed and manufactured to stand up to the most abrasive applications and harshest weather conditions; Available in a wide range of sizes and styles; The pipe systems can be customized to meet almost any job site demand. PUTZMEISTER AMERICA

www.forconstructionpros.com

660 DIG-R-MOBILE

48 | Philippine Construction&Design  May - June 2014

www.forconstructionpros.com

Atlas Copco Launches New Surface Crawler Training Simulator

Featuring total hydraulic operation, the 660 DIG-RMOBILE is suited for a variety of fence placement, sign installation and construction projects. The 13-hp Honda gasoline engine allows operation at reduced speeds. HTM Class II flow (8 gpm at 2,000 psi) auxiliary tool circuit allows use of other hydraulically powered tools such as small breakers, post pullers and drills. Augers available in 2- to 18-in.-diameter formats with standard digging lengths. Tow-bar quickly attaches to the mainframe and allows for towing at conventional highway speeds. GENERAL EQUIPMENT


PRICE MOVEMENT

Year-on-Year and Month-on-Month Growth Rates of Construction Materials Retail Price Index: March 2014 and February 2014 All Items

March 2014

February 2014

Year-on-Year

1.2

0.7

Month-on-Month

0.8

-0.2

Year-to-date 0.8

• Year-on-Year

• Month-on-Month

The annual hike in the Construction Materials Retail Price Index (CMRPI) in the National Capital Region (NCR) picked-up 1.2 percent in March from 0.7 percent in February. A higher annual gain was noted in the index of carpentry materials at 1.0 percent in March from 0.9 percent in February; electrical materials index, 1.1 percent from 0.8 percent; masonry materials index, 4.7 percent from 0.1 percent; and painting materials and related compounds index, 0.8 percent from 0.3 percent. On the other hand, annual declines were still recorded in the indices of plumbing materials at -0.5 percent from -0.1 percent and miscellaneous construction materials, -2.5 percent from -4.4 percent. The annual growth of tinsmithry materials index eased to 2.7 percent from 5.6 percent.

On a monthly basis, the CMRPI in NCR advanced 0.8 percent March from a 0.2 percent drop in February. The index of electrical materials increased by 0.4 percent in March from 0.1 percent in February; masonry materials index, 3.8 percent from -0.7 percent, painting materials and related compounds, 0.3 percent from 0.2 percent, tinsmithry materials index, 0.8 percent from -0.4 percent; and miscellaneous construction materials index, 1.6 percent from -2.8 percent. A lower monthly increment was however, seen in the index of carpentry materials at 0.3 percent from 0.4 percent while that for plumbing materials index fell by 0.2 percent from 0.1 percent growth. Higher price quotations were generally observed in electrical wires and wiring devices, cement, gravel, sand, paints and related compounds, corrugated GI sheets, steel bars and plywood. Meanwhile, price reductions were noted in selected plumbing fittings.

May - June 2014 Philippine Construction&Design 

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PRICE MOVEMENT Republic of the Philippines NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE INDUSTRY AND TRADE STATISTICS DEPARTMENT Manila

Table 1 Construction Materials Retail Price Index in the National Capital Region (2000=100) Table 1 Construction Materials Retail Price Index in the National Capital Region (2000=100)

2014

COMMODITY GROUP

MAR

2013

FEB

JAN

AVE

DEC

NOV

OCT

SEP

AUG

JUL

JUN

MAY

APR

MAR

FEB

ALL ITEMS

179.2

177.8

178.1

177.9

178.5

178.5

178.5

178.3

178.3

178.4

178.0

177.9

177.7

177.1

176.6

A. CARPENTRY MATERIALS

150.7

150.3

149.7

149.6

150.0

149.8

150.1

149.5

150.4

150.3

149.7

149.3

149.0

149.2

148.9

B. ELECTRICAL MATERIALS

206.7

205.9

205.7

205.7

207.1

207.2

207.3

206.2

205.4

205.6

205.6

205.2

205.4

204.4

204.2

C. MASONRY MATERIALS

185.8

179.0

180.3

179.9

178.8

179.2

179.3

181.4

181.9

181.8

181.3

181.8

178.8

177.4

178.8

D. PAINTING MATERIALS & RELATED COMPOUNDS

180.3

179.8

179.5

179.5

180.2

180.3

180.0

179.1

179.2

178.7

177.9

179.2

180.0

178.9

179.2

E. PLUMBING MATERIALS

164.2

164.6

164.5

165.1

165.0

165.1

165.3

165.0

165.4

165.5

165.2

164.8

165.0

165.1

164.7

F. TINSMITHRY MATERIALS

143.4

142.3

142.8

139.7

141.7

141.6

140.9

140.8

140.7

140.4

140.9

139.9

140.6

139.6

134.8

G. MISCELLANEOUS CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

291.4

286.7

295.1

298.8

296.3

295.5

294.7

300.9

297.9

300.9

299.6

300.3

298.7

298.9

299.9

Republic of the Philippines NATIONAL STATISTICS OFFICE INDUSTRY AND TRADE STATISTICS DEPARTMENT Manila

Sources of Basic Data: NSO and other reporting establishments Processed by NSO

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS WHOLESALE PRICE INDEX (CMWPI) IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION (NCR)

CONTRUCTION MATERIALS WHOLESALE PRICE INDEX (CMWPI) IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION (NCR) (2000 = 100) (2000=100) Line No.

FEB

JAN

AVE

DEC

NOV

OCT

SEP

AUG

JULY

JUNE

MAY

APR

MAR

225.1

224.8

224.5

221.6

224.0

223.6

222.9

222.9

222.3

222.0

221.4

220.9

220.3

219.8

SAND AND GRAVEL

209.2

207.9

207.4

202.3

203.5

203.5

203.1

203.1

202.8

202.3

202.3

202.3

202.3

200.9

MAR ALL ITEMS

1

2013

2014

COMMODITY GROUP

2

CONCRETE PRODUCTS

207.1

206.9

206.2

204.0

206.3

206.3

205.2

205.0

204.6

204.6

204.6

204.3

202.2

201.5

3

CEMENT

195.6

195.6

194.4

190.2

193.7

193.1

192.0

192.0

192.2

190.7

190.4

190.2

190.0

187.6

4

HARDWARE

217.7

217.4

216.6

214.1

216.3

216.2

215.0

214.9

214.1

213.9

213.9

213.7

213.7

212.5

5

PLYWOOD

182.4

182.0

181.6

180.5

181.4

181.4

181.2

181.2

180.4

180.4

180.4

180.3

180.3

179.8

6

LUMBER

237.1

237.1

235.2

230.0

232.6

232.6

231.3

231.3

230.0

230.0

230.0

230.0

229.9

227.6

7

G.I. SHEET

188.9

188.2

187.3

182.3

184.5

184.5

183.9

183.9

183.7

183.7

183.5

183.5

180.6

178.5

8

REINFORCING STEEL

252.3

251.9

252.9

251.4

252.7

252.7

252.6

252.6

251.8

251.3

251.3

251.3

251.0

250.0

9

STRUCTURAL STEEL

283.4

283.2

283.8

281.1

282.0

282.0

281.7

281.7

281.7

281.7

281.8

281.7

281.7

279.2

10 TILEWORKS

186.6

185.8

185.6

179.8

182.6

182.2

182.1

180.3

179.8

179.8

179.8

179.8

179.1

178.1

11 GLASS AND GLASS PRODUCTS

181.9

181.9

181.9

179.5

179.7

179.7

179.7

179.7

179.7

179.7

179.7

179.4

179.4

179.3

DOORS, JAMBS, AND STEEL CASEMENT

203.0

202.8

203.1

200.7

202.8

202.8

201.9

201.9

200.8

200.8

200.7

200.7

200.7

198.7

201.2

200.8

200.8

197.8

200.0

200.0

199.1

199.1

197.8

197.6

197.5

197.3

197.1

196.2

166.4

165.3

165.3

160.0

162.1

162.1

161.0

161.0

160.3

160.3

159.8

159.3

159.3

159.0

15 PAINTING WORKS

205.1

204.8

204.5

203.8

204.4

204.4

204.2

204.2

203.9

204.0

203.9

203.7

203.7

203.3

16 PVC PIPES

179.7

179.7

179.7

175.0

178.1

178.1

176.7

176.7

175.1

175.1

174.3

174.3

173.5

172.8

17 FUELS AND LUBRICANTS

339.1

339.6

338.5

333.3

339.3

335.2

335.3

337.2

335.5

333.9

328.0

324.6

329.5

333.8

18 ASPHALT

464.0

464.0

464.0

464.0

464.0

464.0

464.0

464.0

464.0

464.0

464.0

464.0

464.0

464.0

19 MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT RENTAL

114.6

114.6

114.6

114.6

114.6

114.6

114.6

114.6

114.6

114.6

114.6

114.6

114.6

114.6

12

13 ELECTRICAL WORKS 14

PLUMBING FIXTURES & ACCESSORIES / WATERWORKS

50 | Philippine Construction&Design  May - June 2014


Saiber Media Incorporated

Publishers: General

Philippine Construction and Design is published to serve the construction industry and all its stakeholders particularly architects, engineers, contractors and suppliers, providing them news summaries and information on latest developments, management technologies, new products and equipment, cost movements of construction materials, profiles of leading personalities in the industry, construction projects, etc. The e-magazine also discuss’ issues and topics that are important to the construction trade. It serves as a voice for the industry as a whole as well as provide information that construction professionals will find useful to their business and profession.

Publisher

Publisher are Filipino based in Thailand with 40 years of experience in publishing since 1972. They pioneered in the publication of construction, business and tourist publications in Thailand. Publishing Siam Construction, a monthly trade journal for the construction industry, What’s On This Week, What’s On Pallaya, What’s On Phuket, What’s On Chiangmai and What’s On Samui, all tourist publication located in major travel destinations in Thailand. They also publish a newspaper Samui Express in the Island of Samui. Over 20 years ago in the Philippines, they also published Philippine Civil Engineer, a professional publication published for Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE), Philippine Construction Management, a professional journal for construction executives; and various directories for professional buyers like the Philippine Construction Directory, Philippine Export Directory, and Philippine Professional Buyers Guide. However, they closed their Philippine operations around 10 years ago after almost 20 years in the country due to political problems at the time and the ensuing financial tumoil. The Publishers plan to re-establish their operations initially with this construction publication, Philippine Construction & Design, to be followed with other magazines involving trade and logistics, medical hospitals and clinics, travel and hotel management within the next 24 months after the launch of Philippine Construction & Design. The Philippine Construction & Design is an e-magazine published monthly by Saiber Media Incorporated with business address at 121 Splendor Hills Aznar Road, Pardo Cebu City. Telephone Number +63 02.463.4352 Cebu: +63.032.5119499 Laguna: +63 049.5230132 Office Website is www.philippineconstructionanddesign.com E-mail address: saibermediaincorporated@yahoo.com.ph; saibermediainc@yahoo.com.ph. Send email for your comments and suggestion to saibercraft@yahoo.com; jo727ph@yahoo.com; jo727ph@gmail.com

Readership, Distribution and Circulation

The publication is published in the web and is made available for free to all interested. The web has potentially millions of readers all over the world though the magazine’s primary target readers are the professionals and decision makers involved in the Philippine Construction, which is estimated to be over 100,000 stakeholders in the industry. Readers include major decision makers and top executives that make buying decisions, leading government officials, and other professionals involved in planning, investing, design and construction.

May - June 2014 Philippine Construction&Design

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52 | Philippine Construction&Design  May - June 2014


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