PhilConstruct Show Opens, Proffers Infrastructure Projects for Cebu

The opening of the fourth Philconstruct Visayas 2013 show stirred positivity among local industry partners as they expressed their unity and support for each other through the event.

With the recent news of the construction industry’s 32.5% contribution to the country’s 7.8 % GDP, the endeavor places an avenue to boost more of the industry’s prowess.

The Cebu Contractors Association (CCA), the Philippine Contractors Association (PCA), Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), Tubod by Cebu Furniture Industries Foundation Inc.(CFIF), the Philippine Institute of Interior Designers (PIID), Philppine Institure of Civil Engineers (PICE), the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) and the Philippine Society of Ventilating, Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Engineers (PSVARE) joined forces to come up with the successful event.

Avid exhibitors filled up the entire ballroom of the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino in this three-day trade show while 6,000 visitors and guests are expected to flock in.

Photo by Daxine Abala, USC-TC Intern

PCA Overall Chairperson Morris Agoncillo said that PhilConstruct Visayas is the largest show in Southeast Asia comparing countries like Singapore which has a more specific coverage in their exhibits from PhilConstruct’s wide range.

Bernard Vonn Sia, the overall chairperson of PhilConstruct also said that what sets them apart from other shows is that the event is organized by the industry, delivered for the industry itself. Moreover, Sia shared that the show is ‘sold out’ every year which means exhibition spaces are filled up by loyal exhibitors. He also added that 95 % of their visitors are professionals who are commonly the decision makers.

“All exhibition spaces are filled up with exhibitors. We may have fewer, but we are certain that those are the decision makers,” said Sia.

A first participant in the show, Tubod by CFIF, is equally grateful for its participation this year. Laurie Boguiren, chairperson for Tubod, said that Tubod’s participation is to highlight the furniture industry – this time, it’s for the domestic market.

“We recognize the booming of the domestic market, and we know that Cebu is the Mecca – the Milan of Asia, ” Boguiren said.

Furthermore, the government had its presence and support in the show as Undersecretary Raul Asis of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), who delivered the speech of Secretary Rogelio Singson, made mention of the several upcoming infrastructure projects poised in Cebu.

Agoncillo and Sia shared that there will be PCA participation in the DPWH projects as the organization is part and parcel of the road map of these projects. PCA is the mother organization of CCA.

PhilConstruct Visayas 2013 is among the events of CCCI’s month-long Cebu Business Month celebration. There will be six shows, seven forums, a skills training by TESDA, and a fun run at the end of the show.

An Office of the Building Official (OBO) satellite office is also stationed at the trade show where business permits can be submitted on the spot.