MANILA — The ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat has formally endorsed the Philippines’ priority economic deliverables, reinforcing the country’s leadership role in shaping the region’s economic direction under its ASEAN chairship, according to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary and AEM Chair Ma. Cristina Roque.

Speaking during a briefing in Taguig City recently, Roque said the retreat approved key Philippine-led initiatives aimed at boosting ASEAN’s competitiveness, investment attractiveness, and long-term economic resilience.

“The retreat endorsed the Philippines’ priority economic deliverables, covering semiconductors, critical minerals, creative industries, and AI (artificial intelligence), and this is aimed at strengthening ASEAN’s investment appeal and regional resilience,” Roque said.

She added that these focus areas form the backbone of industrial growth across the region. “So this is the foundation for manufacturing and industrial development.”

As ASEAN Chair, the Philippines is able to steer the regional agenda by setting priorities, advancing initiatives aligned with national interests, and elevating its role in engagements with ASEAN partners and external stakeholders. Officials said this positioning creates opportunities to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, and economic development across Southeast Asia.

The Philippine Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) span a wide range of sectors, including energy, agriculture, strategic trade management, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and artificial intelligence, while also supporting ASEAN’s push toward a sustainable and green economy.

“We really were able to discuss a lot of items that are quiet, that are relevant to ASEAN,” Roque said, referring to in-depth discussions during the retreat.

The economic ministers also engaged with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC), welcoming its theme, Prosperity for All, which underscores the importance of inclusive growth and public-private collaboration.

“The ministers consulted with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, which was the ABAC, and we welcomed its theme, Prosperity for All, emphasizing that ASEAN initiatives must deliver tangible benefits for people and businesses, meaning the private sector and government should work together hand in hand to make sure that we get the programs or we get the deliverables done,” Roque said.

In addition to long-term growth initiatives, Roque said the ministers also exchanged views on emerging global risks, including how ASEAN economies can respond to the ongoing Middle East conflict and mitigate its potential impact on regional economic stability.

The discussions, she noted, highlighted the importance of coordination and adaptability as ASEAN navigates an increasingly complex global environment.

via Industry Daily Observer

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MANILA, Philippines — March 2026 — Buildrite Construction Chemicals, a trusted name in construction innovation and concrete solutions, served as a strategic partner in the 7th Technical Conference of the Institution of Specialist Structural Engineers of the Philippines (ISSEP), titled In‑depth Solutions to Structural Engineering Problems (ISSEP‑ISSEP 2026), held on March 12–13, 2026 at the Century Park Hotel, Manila.

The two‑day, face‑to‑face conference gathered around 300 participants from government agencies, private construction firms, consulting companies, the academe, and the broader engineering and building industry. Anchored on the core values of Integrity, Service, Standards, Ethics, and Professionalism, ISSEP‑ISSEP 2026 provided a vital platform for advancing Structural Engineering PH practices and strengthening collaboration across the sector.

ISSEP specialist members and leaders—including Directors Roberto P. Bernardo, Frederick F. M. Sison, Anthony V. C. Pimentel, James P. Pacis, Danilo A. Domingo, Gilbert B. Magbutay, Efren H. Sison, and Chairman of the Board Efren H. Sison—shared expert insights, real‑world experiences, and practical approaches to addressing complex structural engineering challenges. Their discussions reinforced the role of engineering integrity, safe structures, and purpose‑driven design in nation‑building.

Through its partnership with ISSEP, Buildrite Construction Chemicals reaffirmed its commitment to Engineering Excellence, Professional Builders PH, and Innovative Construction. The company actively supports initiatives that promote ethical practice, technical rigor, and collaboration among civil engineers, structural specialists, and construction leaders.

Buildrite’s participation highlighted its mission to deliver reliable structural solutions and high‑performance construction chemicals that help engineers and builders Build It Right—from foundations to finishing. By aligning with ISSEP’s advocacy, Buildrite continues to champion safe structures, engineering collaboration, and construction leadership that respond to the evolving demands of modern infrastructure.

As the construction industry faces increasing technical and sustainability challenges, Buildrite Construction Chemicals remains dedicated to empowering professionals with solutions that support engineering integrity, structural resilience, and long‑term performance.

The partnership at ISSEP‑ISSEP 2026 underscores Buildrite’s role as a committed industry ally—working alongside engineers and builders to Build with Purpose and contribute to a safer, more innovative built environment.

Source: Buildrite

via Industry Daily Observer

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