Philconstruct: An industry’s firm foundation

THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY REMAINS resilient as it grew 5.6 percent in the second quarter of 2015, making it an attractive market with strong economic fundamentals. This GDP figure also made the Philippines to rank as the third highest among Asia’s major economies, behind China and Vietnam.

Construction industry plays a major role in this growth seeing that this significant improvement is perceived especially in public construction and sustained strong performance of the private sector. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showed a 13-percent increase where construction value during the period April to June 2015 reached P79 billion from P69.9 billion in the same period last year.

Committed to serving the industry, Philconstruct Events, Exhibitions and Conferences Corp. (PEECC), Philippine Constructors Association (PCA), and Philippine Society of Ventilating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating Engineers (PSVARE), see the country as perfect destination for local and international investors.

“An influx of investment awaits the entire construction industry given the vast opportunities for this boo-ming sector with the imminent realization of the Asean Economic Community (AEC),” said Dante Abando, overall Philconstruct chairman.

Philconstruct is one of the biggest construction tradeshows in the Southeast Asia. It is a nationwide series held in three major cities of the Philippines -- Cebu (in Visayas), Davao (in Mindanao) and Manila (in Luzon).

Philconstruct held successful events in Cebu in June and in Davao in September with trade attendance of 8,654 and 8,468 respectively. “With hundreds of exhibitors presenting thousands of opportunities, Philconstruct did not fail in its promise of bringing the best brands closer to its market,” Abando remarked.

“It is truly overwhelming how this show has grown and how companies have chosen Philconstruct as their platform to further promote their products and meet buyers in this industry,” said Delfin Wenceslao Jr., PEECC & PCA president.

Following its regional success, the Manila show was held last Oct. 8 to 11 simultaneously in three massive venues -- SMX Convention Center, World Trade Center and World Trade Center-Tent. “From building materials, heavy equipments and machineries, furniture and furnishing, and air and cooling technologies, this trade event has no limitations to what it can offer,” added Wenceslao. “This year, our goal is not only to get more quality buyers, but also to sustain the brand experience for both the exhibitors and visitors.”

Aside from the exhibit, Philconstruct 2015 also featured “Technoforum,” a series of seminars that serves as a platform for knowledge-sharing in the industry. “As the leading trade show in building and construction, we aim to strengthen the industry by developing the skills and increasing the knowledge of all professionals,” said Oscar Mercado, Technoforum chairman. “It opens a venue for experts and professionals to relevant issues and best practices in their profession.”

Topics discussed included “Construction Occupational Safety and Health,” “Crane Lifting and Rigging Safety,” “Pro-Active Maintenance,” “Webbing Sling and Full Harness Safety,” “Getting Prepared for Emergencies and Disasters,” “Computing Power Loads and Matching Generator Capacities,” “In-House Tire Repair Facilities and Procedures,” “Basic Requirements for a Green Building and Construction,” “Oil, Lubes and Filters,” “The 6M of Machine Maintenance,” & more.

Another feature was the “Estilo De Vida,” the longest-running interior design competition that fosters creativity and helps build the future of young Filipino interior designers. This year calls for a more advanced theme entitled “Millennium Living: Futuristic Transient Living” where a 20-foot shipping container van will be transformed into a transient lodging space. “This theme addresses the need of people to live in diverse houses that suit their needs. Taking a look at this, where comfort and style are much needed, living in a modular structure with low-cost, sustainable house system would be a great hit in the near future,” said Gwen Cobankiat-Cua, the 12th Estilo de Vida chairperson. This was displayed as an outdoor feature at the World Trade Center.

For more information on Philconstruct, please contact the event manager, GlobalLink Exhibitions Specialist Inc., through Kristel Guiang or Kim Lagunilla at tel. nos. 893-7973 or email them at kristel.guiang@ globallinkmp.com or elaine.lagunilla@globallinkmp.com.