The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in partnership with Revolutionary Precrafted, has a lofty objective: to revolutionize the housing industry and transform the Philippines into a global housing materials prefabrication center.
“The entire idea of this partnership is to make the country a supplier of housing materials in the global market,” Carlos Primo David, executive director of the DOST’s Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD), said in a press briefing recently after the signing of the memorandum of agreement with the $1-billion company.
For his part, Revolution Precrafted CEO Robbie Antonio said his company will eye the low-cost housing market not only in the Philippines but overseas because housing shortage is one of the major problems in the world.
The DOST and Revolution Precrafted plan to build houses in response to the critical need for shelter, especially for the people in the marginalized sector.
David and Antonio agree that the setup is perfect for a disaster-prone country like the Philippines.
“We need to build relief centers and emergency shelters in the fastest possible time,” Antonio pointed out.
David said the DOST will lead the research and development component in the project, as it will guide and share its experience in the development of a particular project. He also pointed out that the initial project will be a test case for the two parties.
“If it provides values to Revolution Precrafted, it will showcase our research and development capability not only in real estate but in other areas, as well,” David added.
For the initial stage of the tie-up, the objective is to establish “small and quick wins.”
Moreover, the researchers of the DOST will evaluate what products are needed by the market and streamline them for possible commercialization.
Asked why a global company with huge financial resources opted to partner with a government agency, Antonio said they need the smartest minds to solve complex problems.
“We also need them to work in developing sustainability solutions for the environment,” he explained.
In the first six months, David said engineers of Revolution Precrafted and the DOST will conduct researches on how to develop the technology for low-cost prefabricated homes.
Since it has huge exposure in constructing homes in the local and foreign markets, Antonio said his company can focus on developing curve cement boards and straight slabs.
Meanwhile, David said he has found out that plywood can be developed with minimal cost by using spent tea leaves a commercial drink manufactured by a local conglomerate.
“It is perfect for the manufacturing of plywood, one of the most expensive components of low-cost housing,” he said.
Antonio said there should be more efforts in technology transfer to the developer from the scientist to push the development of low-cost housing.
He also pointed out that the Philippines has a great potential in prefabricated housing because it is a fragmented industry.
“Our partnership with Revolution Precrafted is an ideal setup, as we are going to make local products. At the same time, we are open to outsourcing,” David said.
Antonio added that robotics and artificial intelligence can make the manufacturing of the materials more affordable.
David pointed out that the Philippines should seize this big opportunity in the prefabricated industry, as it has the brains and materials to become a global leader.
“We missed the boat in the technology revolution on the Internet and the rapid developments on mobile phones. This time, we must be in the forefront of this development,” David added.
Image credits: Roy Domingo