Government action sought: Proliferation of substandard materials worries contractors

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu Contractors Association, Inc. (CCA) is calling on the government to act against the widespread existence of sub-standard construction materials in the market as it can negatively affect the growth of the industry.

This was a call made by PhilConstruct Visayas 2010 chairman Bernard Sia during the opening of the construction show at the Pacific Grand Ballroom of Waterfront Cebu City Hotel last Thursday, September 9, 2010.

Sia admitted that Cebu is now experiencing a "construction boom" with the establishments of more new buildings, condominiums, hotels, and housing projects.

However, the industry has to be protected by the government before the presence of sub-standard materials can deter the growth of the industry.

The PhilConstruct Visayas 2010, which ended yesterday, attracted over 300 exhibitors from varied construction industry players, showcasing at least 50 different brands in the construction sector.

"We made it a point that we only accommodate at least two brands for every similar product, to give a wide variety of displays, and players as well as consumers will be able to see the new trends and materials in the construction sector now," Sia said.

According to Sia, construction industry players will take the lead in urging the government to go after traders that are still offering sub-standard construction materials.

The market on the other hand, or the consumer, must be informed constantly against the availability of sub-standard construction materials in order to be well protected.

Sia, whose family owns the Bionic Builders chain of hardware stores, said that one of the concerns faced by industry players now is the unresolved issue on the availability of sub-standard construction supplies, which affect the integrity of professional traders that only offer quality and internationally-standard brands and construction materials.

"We [industry players] can only do so much. We need the government to back us up. Consumers do not really know how to detect and recognize substandard products. There need to be a continuous educational and awareness campaign," Sia said.

He said CCA, is willing to work hand in hand with other industry organizations such as the Hardware Consolidated Inc., among others, and specifically the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in this issue.

In the long term, the availability of sub-standard construction materials in the market will ultimately affect the growth of professional players in the industry, Sia said, thus he stressed that the government should act now.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Construction Association (PCA) earlier announced that the national organization is set to formulate a roadmap to usher industry's robust growth in three years. (FREEMAN)