STAKEHOLDERS yesterday welcomed the assurance of Public Works Secretary Mark Villar that local products will be prioritized for government infrastructure projects.
The Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines (CeMAP), Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI), Pioneer Float Glass Manufacturing Inc. (PFGMI), Puyat Steel Corporation (PSC), and Sonic Steel Industries Inc. (SSII) said the use of local building materials like cement, steel, and glass for the government’s Build Build Build program and other infrastructure projects would help revitalize the economy through job generation, revenue generation through taxes, and support for local businesses.
The group assured government it has enough stocks of quality construction materials that conform to government standards.
Villar, during a recent Senate hearing on the DPWH’s proposed budget for next year, told senators local products and Filipino workers will be given priority in government infrastructure projects.
He agreed with Sen. Francis Pangilinan’s call to give preference to local products, saying the DPWH’s vast resources would certainly boost the economy and create fresh jobs amid the contraction in various industries, such as manufacturing.
Earlier, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles also backed calls for the patronage of local products and condemned erring businessmen behind mislabeling of imported products and selling them as Philippine-made.
