Last March 22, 2023, Executives of the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, Philippine Iron and Steel Institute, and members Puyat Steel Corporation (PSC), Philippine Paint and Coating Association (formerly Philippine Association of Paint Manufacturers), and Pioneer Float Glass Manufacturing Inc. (PFGMI) held a roundtable discussion with the Consumer Protection Group of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI-CPG) represented by its top official, Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo and Trade Industry Development Specialist Ma. Kristina Guilas.
The Filipino building materials manufacturers came together to advocate for “Build Lokal,” a campaign aimed at promoting the use of domestically produced goods and local labor in private and public sector construction projects. The group also expressed its full support of the DTI’s “Go Lokal!” initiative which provided the inspiration and stimulus for the Build Lokal campaign.
With Build Lokal, domestic manufacturers of building materials can help fully support the nation’s economic recovery by continuing to generate Filipino jobs and reduce the nation’s unemployment rate, contributing to the national income through taxes, conserving our foreign currency reserves, and ensuring that the multiplier effect of supporting local businesses is fully taken advantage of. Moreover, prioritizing local manufacturers will nurture and grow local businesses that invest in the manufacture of quality Filipino products.
Local producers of building materials make huge amounts of investment into building their brand through modern equipment that produce high quality products. These local companies will not compromise their name and reputation with substandard materials so that the Filipino consumer is assured of compliance with Philippine National Standards.
