THE 8th Philconstruct Mindanao and 11th Manufacturing Technology Davao Expo are targeted to be the biggest construction and machinery expo yet as a response to the current administration’s Build, Build, Build program.
Philconstruct Mindanao 2017 will be held simultaneous with Manufacturing Technology Davao which will open on September 8 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Lanang Premier.
According to Davao Constructors Association Center, Inc. (DCACI) president Michael Teh, about 40 percent of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget of about P40 billion is allotted for Mindanao. Of the budget allotted for Mindanao, about 40 percent of this is for Davao Region.
“DPWH has a construction roadmap until 2045 prioritizing on improvement of roads with traffic congestions and the roads leading to tourist destinations. Before, DPWH is on national and public highways construction. With the roadmap, even roads that are not national highway, will also be improved,” said Teh.
The 8th Philconstruct Mindanao 2017 targets more than 500 local and foreign brands to showcase their products. More than 13,000 visitors are also expected to come, with more than 10,000 of these from Davao Region.
The exhibit will showcase construction tools and building materials, mechanical and electrical engineering systems and maintenance, concrete, heavy equipment, outdoor design, safety and security, manpower and management, and water technology.
Guests expected to come are Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, 1st District Representative Karlo Nograles, Finance Assistant Secretary Arturo Boncato, and Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. president Ronald Go, among others.
The 11th Manufacturing Technology Davao, on the other hand, expects more than 10,000 visitors to take a look at the products displayed by about 89 participating brands and companies in about 118 booths. The manufacturing exhibit targets to display materials used for packaging, printing, and machinery.
Global Link Events International, Inc. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Patrick Lawrence Tan said the objective of the expos is primarily to have the suppliers get to know the contractors better and vice versa. He said there will be very little actual selling happening during the expo as the manufacturing and construction equipment they are displaying are not usually bought over the counter. Tan said the expo will bring together people who are interested or already are into the business.
Tan also said the 10 to 12-year performance of the construction industry in Mindanao is growing and forecast reveals it will continue on.
Teh added, with the boom of the construction industry in the city, contractors are now into acquiring additional equipment and materials more than depleting the old ones they have. This, according to him, indicates the high demand of construction materials in the area.