Industry players reaffirm support for DTI in standards monitoring

The Federation of Philippine Industry (FPI) has reiterated its members’ commitment to uphold national product standards and work closely with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in strengthening compliance, particularly in the use of construction materials for public works projects.

“Adherence to the Philippine National Standards (PNS) is non-negotiable,” FPI Chairperson Elizabeth Lee said in a statement on Wednesday, stressing that cement and steel products must consistently meet government specifications.

“Only by strictly following these standards, especially in cement and steel, can we ensure safe, durable, and resilient public infrastructure for our people,” she added.

The statement comes as authorities continue investigating alleged irregularities in infrastructure projects that have raised concerns over the use of substandard materials and their impact on both public safety and government spending.

Lee said the FPI is working in close coordination with the DTI’s Bureau of Product Standards (BPS), reaffirming the group’s “commitment to collaborate with all government agencies in upholding these standards.”

“Together, we must guarantee that our public infrastructure projects are built on quality, integrity, and accountability, laying the foundation for sustainable nation-building and long-term growth,” she said.

The FPI also urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to strengthen enforcement and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that only certified building materials are used in government-funded projects.

“Strict compliance with the PNS is essential to ensure the safety, durability, and resilience of the country’s public infrastructure,” Lee said. “The use of substandard materials, whether in cement, steel, or other critical construction inputs, compromises public safety, wastes resources, and undermines confidence in national development efforts.”