Filipino constructors want to get a huge slice of the $15 billion military buildup in Guam that would open at least 15,000 jobs for Filipino construction workers.
But Anthony Fernandez, president of the Philippine Constructors Association (PCA), cautioned that this might trigger shortage in construction workers, especially engineers, who in recent years have been lured to lucrative jobs abroad.
This also comes at a time when the construction markets here and abroad are expected to boom following recovery from the financial crisis. These markets, he said, need to be served all at once.
"The challenge for PCA now is how it can manage to serve the military buildup and other construction markets in other parts of the world… (and in) making sure to have people (here and) develop the nation," said Fernandez, president and chief operating officer of First Balfour Inc.
Fernandez said three or four years ago, the local construction industry was been hit hard by the exodus of experienced and skilled construction workers, from engineers to welders, to jobs in the Middle East.
"Contractors have to keep training their workers to replenish the ones going abroad," Fernandez said.
He said Filipino contractors are hopeful to get a big share in the contracts but noted that they are willing to be just subcontractors.
"The rules and standards are different," he said. Investing in Guam requires them to incorporate and set up a local office, and abide by the laws set by the US, including in their procurement of services and materials. BY IRMA ISIP - MALAYA
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