Manila: Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos has expressed support for the forthcoming issuance of an order that will mandate compliance with the updated seismic-grade steel standards. This initiative aims to enhance construction safety across the Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) anticipates releasing the order in August, following the standards updated by the Bureau of Philippine Standards in May. Currently, these standards are voluntary, pending the official memorandum for mandatory compliance.

"Safety first, especially when we are talking about thousands of lives that could be at stake because of sub-par construction materials," Bernos emphasized in a news release. He stressed that the mandatory compliance with seismic-grade steel standards is essential to prevent potential disasters.

In light of the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao in June, Bernos has advocated for a thorough review of major infrastructure such as roads, bridges, ports, schools, and government buildings to ensure they meet safety standards. He also called for an update to the country's construction standards through the new Philippine Building Act, intended to revise the 1977 National Building Code of the Philippines.

Bernos noted that the upcoming order would promote the use of higher-grade construction materials, aiming to phase out the production of non-seismic-grade reinforcing bars by induction furnace (IF) facilities. He highlighted that several Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia and Thailand, have already banned IF-produced steel in public infrastructure projects, while Singapore and Malaysia have implemented stricter controls.

Despite the push for higher standards, Bernos urged the government to assist companies in transitioning from IF-produced steel to higher-grade materials, ensuring they have the necessary time and support for this shift.