IN response to clamor from lawmakers, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar has promised to ensure that local products and Filipino workers will be given priority in government infrastructure projects.
Villar issued his commitment during the DPWH’s budget hearing at the Senate recently following calls by Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Sonny Angara and Juan Miguel Zubiri.
“You have my assurance that we will support this cause,” Villar told the lawmakers, subject to compliance of local materials to product standards.
Villar said he agreed with the lawmakers’ position that local products need to be prioritized to boost the economy and create jobs amid the contraction in various industries, such as manufacturing.
“I agree completely that we need to help our local industries as they create local jobs,” Villar said.
Pangilinan first floated the proposal to Villar, asking the DPWH chief to give preference to local raw materials, or materials with high local content in building flagship projects to help local manufacturers rebound from the effects of the pandemic.
“The DPWH, with its resources at its disposal, should also put emphasis on local manufacturers and local materials,” Pangilinan told Villar.
Angara and Zubiri, for their part, echoed Pangilinan’s call, saying the move would help boost the economy and create more employment opportunities.
“Filipino first should be our first preference, particularly in the construction industry,” Zubiri said.
Pangilinan also suggested that a provision emphasizing the preference for local materials and supplies in infrastructure projects be included in the 2021 budget.
In addition, Pangilinan also called on Villar to ensure that Filipino workers are prioritized in the hiring for infrastructure projects under the 2021 budget to help address the high unemployment rate.