THE Philippine construction industry, driven by Quadruple A contractors, fuels economic growth through the expertise, competence and leadership in this field.
Anchored on the vision of the Philippine Construction Industry Road Map 2020 to 2030 Action Plan on Construction Services Exports and Outsourcing, Quadruple A contractors — known for transformative projects — are innovative leaders and change advocates. They are paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future for Filipinos.
Agaton Teodoro Uvero, assistant secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), highlights the construction industry's significant contribution to the Philippines' 5.9-percent growth in the third quarter of 2023. Uvero is also the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) alternate chairman.
The construction industry contributes 14 percent to the overall 5.9-percent growth, and is a key client to over 60 industry sectors, including real estate, education, mining, public utilities, transport, manufacturing and communications.
The Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) is a government agency responsible for overseeing contractor accreditation. It assesses various aspects of a company's operations, including financial capacity, technical competence, track record and safety standards. Firms that achieve Quadruple A status demonstrate exceptional proficiency in these areas, positioning them as industry leaders and exemplars of excellence.
PCAB's regulatory oversight promotes fair competition, safeguards consumer interests and fosters a culture of excellence within the industry. Quadruple A accreditation is a prestigious recognition for contractors in the construction industry, indicating exceptional competence, credibility and financial capacity.
It is driving innovation, fostering sustainable development and inclusive growth. The Quadruple A accreditation from the PCAB signifies its dedication to excellence and adherence to the highest standards.
Leaders and models of excellence
Companies such as Aboitiz Construction Inc. are at the forefront of driving progress for the nation. Aboitiz Construction Inc. has achieved Quadruple A (AAAA) accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to quality, safety and client satisfaction.
With 48 years of industry expertise and backed by the Aboitiz Group, Aboitiz Construction Inc. has established itself as a leader in executing complex projects across diverse sectors. This prestigious accolade signifies technical proficiency, innovation and continuous improvement within the industry.
Aboitiz Construction Inc.'s Quadruple A accreditation marks a significant milestone in the company's commitment to execution excellence, quality, safety and compliance with industry standards. The PCAB AAAA accreditation is the highest level of recognition awarded by PCAB, reserved for companies that demonstrate exceptional competence, credibility and financial capacity.
Anton Mari Perdices, Aboitiz Construction Inc.'s director, president and chairman, said: "We feel very honored to have received this recognition. While this accomplishment is undoubtedly significant, we will remain committed to upholding the highest level of technical expertise, strengthening our partnerships with our stakeholders and improving our operational processes."
Aboitiz Construction Inc. — a part of the Aboitiz Group — has completed projects in various sectors, including power, oil and gas, chemical, cement, mining, logistics and manufacturing. The company also offers maintenance services for power, cement, mining and transportation industries, complemented by equipment rental options.
In October, Aboitiz Construction Inc. has secured a project for Monde Nissin Corp., involving the construction of nine ancillary structures and external works for the food company's expanded bakery plant in Barangay Ilang, Davao City. The firm's Tier 1 site development project for Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc.'s LIMA Estate in Batangas will provide over 200 job opportunities for local communities.
Aboitiz Construction Inc.'s industrial maintenance services business has also secured deals with GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. for waterproofing works and Aboitiz Power Corp.'s Therma South and Therma Visayas for power plant shutdown and scaffolding works.
With the PCAB accreditation, Aboitiz Construction Inc. is well-positioned to explore new opportunities in the construction and maintenance service sectors, attract more clients and continue building a better future for the Philippines.
Meanwhile, D.M. Consunji Inc. (DMCI) Homes, a real estate firm in the Philippines, has been recognized as a Quadruple A contractor by the PCAB, the implementing arm of the CIAP, way back in 2017.
At that time, the Quadruple A license, granted to DMCI Homes, is the highest given to firms, satisfying the institution's requirements, allowing them to qualify for foreign bids. The AAAA license signifies DMCI Homes' building capabilities, financial capacity, building experience and technical personnel expertise.
Quadruple A accreditation is a significant step in the construction industry, enhancing credibility and trust among contractors, clients and the industry as a whole. It provides assurance of quality, reliability and adherence to industry standards while promoting professionalism, innovation and continuous improvement.
This accreditation fosters a culture of excellence, drives innovation and raises performance and quality standards. By investing in skills development, technology adoption and sustainable practices, the industry can position itself for long-term success and contribute to the nation's socioeconomic development.
High-impact projects
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has invited American companies to participate in the administration's Build, Better, More program, which aims to develop 198 high-impact priority infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs), totaling $148 billion or over P8 trillion.
"This is not the only important infrastructure that we need. Through the Build, Better, More program, we aim to launch 198 high-impact priority [IFPs], totaling $148 billion (P 8.8 trillion)," President Marcos says in his remarks during the call of the United States (US) government and its Presidential Trade and Investment Mission delegation in Malacañang.
"We eagerly welcome participation by US investors in these transformative initiatives," he says.
These projects span various subsectors, including physical connectivity, water resources, agriculture, health, digital connectivity (telecommunications) and energy. These will also lay the groundwork for the Philippines' aspiration to be the next logistics hub in Asia. Investing in the Philippines presents numerous advantages for investors looking to grow and expand, given that the country's strategic location in Southeast Asia offers a strategic location for businesses to succeed.
American investors are encouraged to invest in developing the country's energy sector and critical metal exploration and processing. The arrival of the US Mission in Manila marks the fulfillment of US President Joe Biden's commitment to President Marcos during his visit to Washington, D.C. in May 2023.
Last year, the US has ranked as the Philippines' third trading partner, first export market and fifth import source out of 230.
Quadruple A accreditation shapes the future of Philippine construction, ensuring quality and driving progress through innovation, sustainability and integration of artificial intelligence (AI).
AI in construction
AI further augments productivity and efficiency within the construction industry, emphasizing the importance of continued skill development and technological advancement.
CIAP believes that this integration holds significant potential for the future. However, the industry's expertise, skills and innovative capabilities are crucial for its progress.
AI, a field of computer science, focuses on developing intelligent machines capable of performing tasks traditionally requiring human intelligence such as learning from experience, pattern recognition and understanding natural language.
In construction management, AI plays a crucial role in enhancing safety, speed, precision and efficiency. By integrating AI-based solutions, construction companies can proactively monitor job sites, identify potential hazards and address critical issues, thereby mitigating accident risks. Therefore, AI should be seen as an additional tool to enhance the industry's progress, creativity and resourcefulness.
Global construction powerhouse
PCAB's streamlined guidelines for Quadruple A contractors, accompanied by the industry road map, underpin aspirations to achieve a construction value of P130 trillion by 2030, positioning the Philippines as a global construction powerhouse.
Quadruple A accreditation, whether in its Platinum or Gold category, serves as a testament to a contractor's unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. By upholding high standards of quality, safety and professionalism, Quadruple A contractors drive progress, inspire innovation and pave the way for a brighter future for the industry and the nation as a whole.
PCAB's streamlined guidelines allow regular license issuance to contractors with over 40 percent foreign equity. The board has defined specific criteria and requirements for obtaining the prestigious Quadruple A category license, which is available in Platinum for locally owned firms and Gold for foreign-owned corporations.
The authorized managing officer must meet PCAB standards and be at least 35 years old. Financial qualifications require audited statements, showing P1 billion equity while technical qualifications align with the AAA category. Quadruple A Gold contractors face limitations on project types and costs while Quadruple A Platinum contractors have more flexibility. Maintenance of financial and technical qualifications is mandatory for license renewal.
DTI, through CIAP and Philippine Overseas Construction Board, is committed to driving initiatives for the construction sector to make the Philippines a global partner in building nations and achieve a projected construction value of P130 trillion by 2030.
CIAP is a key body in regulating and shaping the construction sector, ensuring adherence to rigorous standards and fostering a culture of excellence.
Quadruple A contractors, who have achieved accreditation from PCAB, are recognized for their commitment to quality, safety and professionalism.
PCAB operates under Republic Act 4566, as amended by Presidential Decree 1746, which mandates that no contractor, including subcontractors and specialty contractors, can engage in contracting business without obtaining a PCAB license. This regulatory framework is crucial for safeguarding stakeholder interests and promoting fair competition in the construction industry.
The battle cry "tatag at tapat" (firm and loyal) embodies the vision of fostering a collaborative and resilient environment for the construction industry's steady economic growth.
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