Bridging gaps in tech, major challenges in construction industry

CEBU CITY –The just concluded PHILCONSTRUCT Visayas 2024 (June 20-22) at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, showed the construction industry how various technology products, services and innovations can help improve the quality, productivity and solve some of the major challenges facing the construction industry in the country, after it experienced a steep setback due to the COVID pandemic in 2020.

“We’re in the past two years post-pandemic and I think the industry will rebound that well. Construction industry in the county is a strong as you can see, and Cebu is booming and developments are all around the city,” PHILCONSTRUCT Visayas chairman Kevin Sean Lim said in an interview with some Cebu media and content creators at the opening event.

Lim said that the problem affecting the industry right now is the country’s inflation that is a hindrance to development and there are other major challenges that require immediate and long-term solutions for the industry to perk up and resume to the levels prior to the pandemic.

Some of the challenges the construction sector faces include increased in fuel prices that create a domino effect in all prices including construction materials, technology.  Other problems are the lack of skilled construction manpower, cost overruns and project delays. However, technology and innovations provide new opportunities to improve the efficiency and reduce costs, Lim bared.

“In this industry, we always try to find the best solution to deliver the best compromise and price to our clients.  We always try to help bridge the gap between technology and innovations versus the problems in the construction industry,” Lim noted.

High costs of materials and lack of construction manpower are now slowly being addressed with the advent and development of new equipment, machines and innovative products and services, some automation and AI assisted to make the construction industry as competitive and efficient as possible.

Possible outcomes of the PHILCONSTRUCT Visayas

These globally competitive, cutting-edge technology and breakthroughs were featured at the PHILCONSTRUCT Visayas 2024 with nearly 300 booths/participants representing over 750 brands, outdoor equipment showcases, and over 30 seminars, including the presence of Rick Yelton, our featured speaker from the WORLD OF CONCRETE in Las Vegas.

Under the theme "A Journey of Growth, Sustainability, and Progress in the Digital Era," the Philippine Constructors Association, Inc. (PCA) and the Cebu Contractors Association (CCA), the event's organizing body, reaffirmed their commitment to holistic nation-building. Beyond facilitating business synergies, PHILCONSTRUCT serves as a platform for promoting eco-conscious solutions, harmonizing progress with sustainability.

According to Lim, the event welcomed attendees, participants and all other stakeholders in the construction sector to the conference on innovation and hospitality, highlighting diverse showcases and interactive sessions.

“There is a need for a balance between machinery and human labor, and the importance of embracing technology to address these challenges.  Growth in the industry, particularly in areas outside of Cebu City must be pursued including the potential for efficient mass transportation systems to make affordable homes more accessible,” Lim added.

Government projects with a focus on developing and growing the industry through technology and international collaboration and their impact on the industry were discussed and some action items were taken.

Encourage the construction industry members to adopt new technologies to increase efficiency and productivity; discuss at the board meeting potential advocacy areas or ways NCBA can support big infrastructure projects; and provide an update on exhibitor numbers and details after the construction expo concludes.

Lim, in his concluding message believed that the residential and commercial construction are booming in Cebu and in the Philippines with government projects and efficient mass transportation systems seen as key to decongesting cities and providing affordable homes.

“Collaboration and innovation in the construction industry are key points, highlighting the need for a more resilient and dynamic industry that can meet today's challenges and anticipate tomorrow's demands,” Lim said as he expressed gratitude towards the organizing committee for their efforts in making the event possible. (Photos: MBCNewman)