Sydney, Australia – Marking a pivotal milestone in strengthening international construction partnerships, the Philippine Overseas Construction Board (POCB), of the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), successfully concluded its second business mission to Australia from May 3 to 9, 2025. This follow-up Business Mission, conducted with the participation of POCB’s fellow CIAP Implementing Boards, the Construction Manpower Development Foundation (CMDF), and the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB), sought to position the Philippines as a strategic partner in Australia’s large-scale infrastructure development. It also aimed to broaden the global footprint of the Philippine Construction and Architecture and Engineering Services Outsourcing (AESO) sectors.

The Mission brought together Filipino CAE (Construction, Architecture, and Engineering)companies, including EJS Multivector Solutions, Fuji-Haya Audit Inspection and Maintenance, Rey-Tech Engineering Services, Silverdab Corporation, Solicar Construction and Supply Inc., and Static Power Philippines Inc., alongside Philippine professional organizations, namely the Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines (IIEE) and the Philippine Institute of Certified Quantity Surveyors (PICQS). These industry delegates engaged in knowledge exchange and meaningful dialogue with Australian counterparts to strengthen cross-border partnerships and explore business opportunities and technical collaborations. The mission highlighted sectoral briefings on housing and infrastructure developments by Investment NSW and Infrastructure NSW, a networking reception with the Export Council of Australia (ECA), and Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings.

A standout moment of the Mission was the Philippines’ second participation in Sydney Build 2025, Australia’s premier construction and design expo, held on May 7 to 8, 2025. Building on the momentum from last year’s debut as a country exhibitor, the Philippines reaffirmed its position as a leading provider of CAE services. The country took center stage as featured resource persons in high-level discussions at the expo’s International Construction Business Stage significantly during the Philippine Forum titled “Building Beyond Borders: The Philippines – Your Preferred Global Partner in Construction, Architecture, and Engineering (CAE),” which served as a platform to spotlight Filipino capabilities and foster international collaboration.

In her opening remarks at the PH Forum, CMDF Executive Director Ofelia Usigan underscored the global competitiveness of Filipino firms, emphasizing the country’s expertise in Building Information Modeling (BIM). POCB Executive Director Doris Gacho emphasized that Filipino CAE companies are scaling up capabilities in general building, engineering, and specialty projects by leveraging advanced technologies and green building solutions. These innovations are driving efficiency, speeding up project delivery, and unlocking new revenue opportunities, further boosting the global competitiveness of local players.

Philippine delegates demonstrated their expertise in AESO at the forum, showcasing innovative solutions for global infrastructure and sustainable development. Ar. Jose Lorenzo Afable, President and BIM Director of Silverdab Corporation, highlighted the use of BIM and AI to enhance railway safety and firefighting strategies. Engr. Arlene Joy Paredes, National Secretary of PICQS, emphasized the role of quantity surveying in advancing digitalization and sustainability in construction. Engr. Adrian L. Rey, General Manager of Rey-Tech Engineering Services and Vice President – External of IIEE, underlined the importance of electrical engineering in renewable microgrid systems for environmental resilience.

The success of the Mission was made possible through the invaluable support of the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Sydney. In her closing remarks at the PH Forum, Consul General Charmaine Rowena Aviquivil urged Australian CAE firms to explore strategic collaborations with their Philippine counterparts, emphasizing the potential for mutual growth. Commercial Attaché Emmanuel Ang also reaffirmed that both the PCG and PTIC Sydney are ready to assist Australian companies seeking partnership opportunities within the Philippine CAE sector.

Reasserting its commitment to advancing the Philippine CAE industry globally, the POCB is ramping up efforts this year with strategic engagements in key ASEAN and Middle East markets, positioning the Philippines as a reliable partner in global construction and AESO.

To learn more about how POCB supports the growth of CAE businesses overseas, interested parties may contact the office via email at POCB@construction.gov.ph or mobile at +63-917-842-2254. For updates and announcements, follow POCB on Facebook at facebook.com/DTI.CIAP.POCB and visit the CIAP official website at www.construction.gov.ph. ♦

Date of Release: 21 May 2025

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