DTI-CIAP, PCA push for green building practices at the 5th Philippine Construction Congress

In photo: DTI Assistant Secretary Agaton Teodoro Uvero, CIAP&PCAB Executive Director Herbert Matienzo, PODCB Executive Director Doris Gacho, CIAC Executive Director Jerome Matas, and Philippine Constructors Association President Ronaldo Elepaño present certificates and tokens to the speakers from the United Nations and World Bank

Pasig City, Philippines—On November 28, the Department of Trade and Industry, through its attached agency Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP), hosted the 5th Philippine Construction Congress to champion sustainability and innovation building practices.

In partnership with the Philippine Constructors Association, Inc., the event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to chart a new course for green building in the Philippines.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque lauded the organizers of the event. “In gatherings such as this, we are able to convene under one roof all relevant stakeholders to talk about new and green technologies that will elevate not just the construction industry, but will ultimately contribute to the larger goals of sustainable economic development,” the DTI chief expressed.

DTI Assistant Secretary and CIAP Board Alternate Chairperson Atty. Agaton Teodoro O. Uvero agreed with the Trade Chief, and added that: “By working together, we can unlock the true potential of the Philippine construction sector. We need a collaborative approach to drive the development of efficient and green construction practices.”

Themed, “Creating Synergies: A Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation in Construction,” the congress featured panel discussions on sustainable construction, regulatory innovation processes, and green construction trends. It also tackled the role of professional associations and academia in advancing the construction industry.

To advocate for green and sustainable construction practices, the event presented speakers from national government and private associations. Joining them in promoting this cause were speakers from international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, and International Finance Corporation.

At the construction congress, CIAP-Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) Executive Director Atty. Herbert D.G. Matienzo showcased their digital transformation initiative designed to expand and enhance the PCAB online portal.

This effort aims to provide data-sharing services and enable more targeted and responsive capacity-building programs. Ultimately, PCAB seeks to foster a growth-oriented regulatory environment that supports the growth of the construction sector.

“With the expansion of the developmental role of the PCAB system, we are truly excited that our PCAB database is no longer just a tool for evaluating our contractors but also a service that we can offer and make available to our contractors,” he added.

First launched in 2016, the Philippine Construction Congress is a one-day convention aimed at exchanging insights and knowledge on construction emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges.

The CIAP is dedicated to accelerating the growth of the Philippine construction industry by adopting sustainable, innovative, and technology-driven approaches. The agency executes this mission through its implementing arms, the PCAB, the Philippine Domestic Construction Board, the Philippine Overseas Construction Board, the Construction Manpower Development Foundation, and the Construction Industry Arbitration Commission.

Source: Dept. of Trade and Industry Philippines