By PNA and U.S. News Agency / Asian
A bullish growth for the construction industry is expected this year with the projected influx of foreign direct investments and expansion of local industries across the country particularly here in Mindanao.
Engr. Levy Espiritu of the Philippine Constructors Association, Inc. said the Philippines can become a tiger economy through the construction industry, citing the constructors community is aggressively moving towards an accelerated growth for the Philippine construction industry.
Key construction industry players from all across the country gathered recently in Davao City for the 4th Joint General Membership Meeting of the Philippine Constructors Association, Inc., and Davao Constructors Association Center, to strengthen the ties among constructors and discuss business opportunities for the construction industry.
Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) chairperson Luwalhati Antonino noted that the construction industry has been one of the driving forces in the local and national economy over the past years.
Antonino said that no development and economic growth would have been possible without the role significantly played by the constructor sector.
?The current investment climate in Mindanao augurs well for construction development as businesses are planning to expand operations,? Antonino said.
Antonino said that based on MinDA estimates, the industry sector of Mindanao is expected to grow at around 5 percent to 6.3 percent this year which will come mostly from construction, agro-industries, manufacturing, among others.
?As we anticipate improvement in foreign direct investments and with the recent move of the government to accelerate spending to enhance services delivery and pump prime the economy, there is much to expect in terms of construction development, especially here in Mindanao,? Antonino said.
MinDA records showed the total amount for the new private building construction here in Mindanao reached P18.65 billion in 2010, up from P16.6 billion in 2009.
Region 11 took the highest share at 46 percent with P8.59 billion.
Meanwhile, constructors also raised concerns on the current hindrances to infrastructure development here in Mindanao, especially the power shortage.
Antonino said that there are a lot of potential investors on power generation but are mostly wary because of the various oppositions on the coal plant proposal.
She furthered said that in some areas, a group of people was able to successfully use the coal ashes to build bricks.
?Now, if we can choose these coal ashes for construction, we hit it double?we conserve the environment, we can have energy,? she said.
She said that one of the local investments that relatively pushed the investment growth in Mindanao is the power generation sector, with an equity share of P4.099 billion.
?If the concern on energy can be addressed by all those interested partners in power generation sector, then I think a lot of investors would really be interested in investing in Mindanao,? Antonino added.
The constructors also sought updates on the Mindanao Railways, which they said is one of the most ideal plans for Mindanao, as it will serve as a circumferential transport system that can greatly boost the agriculture and tourism sector.
Antonino said the Mindanao Railways is still part of Mindanao 2020 Plan and it should be undertaken through public-private partnership though it is a very expensive project.
She said the pursuance of the railways needs to begin with a sustainable peace and order situation in Mindanao, as this has been one of the strongest reasons the Mindanao railways are not progressing yet.
?In the meantime, we are pushing for the completion of the road networks in the past two years, especially within ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao),? she added.
Antonino said Mindanao needs more infrastructure for education and health care and is counting on the construction industry to help address such need.
?The technology is right before us. Let us make use of this to effect change and create a better future, through viable and sound construction sector,? Antonino said.
She urged the constructors to continue pushing for a sustainable development of the Philippine construction industry.
orientation dc universe online cisco cisco gonorrhea miranda kerr my little pony
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.