Philconstruct highlights latest industry trends, technology

In an effort to bring the latest technology and trends in construction to other parts of the country, a trade show that has been held only in Manila for the last 20 years held a separate show in Cebu.


The Philconstruct Visayas is the first of its kind to be held in the province, event organizers reported.

Aside from an exhibit of 300 booths from exhibitors from different stakeholders in the construction industry, simultaneous discussions were held for the three-day event, which opened on Sept. 9.


Bernard Vonn Sia, chairperson of the Philconstruct Visayas 2010, said they wanted an exhibit that had “function, not just form.”

This prompted members of the Cebu Contractors Association (CCA) to communicate with the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA) to come up with the trade exhibit.

Aside from the booths that showcased various construction products and services, the event also coincided with the Visayas International Heating, Ventilating, Air-Conditioning, Refrigerating, Pumps, Valves and Pipes, Filtration and Purification Technology Exhibition, which are all part of construction.


The United Architects Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Philippine Institute of Interior Design and the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) also held their own sessions while a Technoforum with different topics was held simultaneously.

Topics during the Technoforum Visayas 2010 included concrete technology, the implementing rules and regulations of the Government Procurement Reform Act, the Government Electronic Procurement System or e-bidding, green building and safety with lifting equipment and rigging works.

While the technoforums were ongoing, other sessions were held by the (PICE), National Master Plumbers Association of the Philippines and the UAAP.
Manolito Madrasto, executive director of the PCA, said the Philconstruct show is the only one that is owned by an industry association.


For his part, Philconstruct 2010 overall chairman Felizardo Sevilla Jr. said this was a way for suppliers to get closer to the buyers, adding that there is continuous development in Cebu.

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US investment firm bankruptcy won’t affect Marriott Cebu: exec

A HOTEL investment company, Innkeepers USA Trust, has filed for bankruptcy protection after its room revenue fell and debt payments rose.

Bloomberg News said the Palm Beach, Florida-based company with stakes in 72 U.S. hotels owes more than $1 billion, Chapter 11 documents filed last month in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan indicated.A plan supported by franchiser Marriott International Inc. will let Innkeepers keep its properties as it reorganizes, Innkeeper’s chief financial officer Dennis Craven said in reports.

Craven attributed the financial difficulties of the company to the slowdown in travel amid the economic slowdown, compounded by higher fuel prices and an oversupply of new hotels.

Marriott is the franchiser of 44 Innkeepers hotels. In exchange for Innkeepers’ improving 23 of the Marriott-branded hotels, Marriott will maintain the branding. (Sun Star Cebu/ August 2, 2010)

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Seaweed producers project zero growth in three years

CEBU, Philippines – Seaweed producing countries, of which the Philippines is one, now project a zero growth rate in the next three years due to the lingering effects of the global economic crisis made worst by the substitution of carrageenan with other hydrocolloids.
Seaweed Industry Association of the Philippines (SIAP) president Benson U. Dakay, made this projection in his speech held in Indonesia recently during the Seaweed Business Forum.
Dakay, the president of the world's largest carrageenan supplier, Shemberg Marketing Corporation (SMC), called other Asian producing countries to unite and start collaborative efforts to fight the odds of the seaweed industry. (The Freeman / August 2, 2010)


No. 2 * 08.5.10