FPI: Build better, not cheaper

The country’s leading umbrella group of domestic manufacturers and producers is urging the government to strictly implement the Philippine National Standards (PNS) on building materials used in public infrastructure projects.

- By DEXTER BARRO II

The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) issued the statement following revelations that a number of flood control projects in the country, which are reportedly mired with corruption, are built with substandard materials.

The FPI called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to monitor the cement and steel used in these projects, alongside other public infrastructure, to evaluate if they are compliant under the PNS.

FPI Chairperson Elizabeth Lee said the government must ensure that every component in an infrastructure project adhere to the PNS, pointing out that this is “nonnegotiable.”