The Philippine Overseas Construction Board (POCB) of the Department of Trade and Industry Construction Authority of the Philippines (DTI-CIAP) was joined by the Export Marketing Bureau of the DTI to capacitate its registered Contractors and Consultants, as part of its mandate to undertake marketing efforts in developing construction opportunities abroad.

Atty. Ruth B. Castelo, Undersecretary for Competitiveness and Ease of Doing Business Group (CEODBG), graced the event to encourage Filipino constructors in joining future outbound overseas missions.

Top (L-R) Ms. Maria Teresa Loring, EMB Services Division Chief; Mr. Francisco Gonzales, Jr. POCB Board member & Romago, Inc President; Atty. Ruth B. Castelo CEOBDG Undersecretary; Mr. Oscar Mercado, POCB Board member; and Engr. Jocelyn C. Carrasco, Overseas Program Development Acting Division Chief of POCB

While the Undersecretary encourages Filipino contractors to join outbound business matching, she also reminds them that the country does not need more Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

“I highly encourage participation in overseas trade missions but I want our Filipino contractors to stay close with their families.” said Usec. Ruth Castelo.

Technical Experts Atty. Roland G. Rosales, Chief Legal counsel of Sta. Clara International Corporation, presented a brief description of construction contracts for overseas projects, salient provisions and resolutions to common issues encountered while doing projects abroad; Ms. Maria Teresa S. Loring, Services Division Chief of Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) of the DTI, shared insights about business matching and proper decorum when dealing with foreign counterparts; Engr. Salvador P. Castro Jr., Chairman and President of SPCastro Inc. provided participants with knowledge on basic negotiation skills. These were part of the program to build confidence, attitude and technical skills of the constructors to establish respect and credibility.

The participants were given the opportunity to air their questions during the open forum.