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A challenge faced by the Architecture and Construction Industry
(Em-tech Research Paper)
ABUSO, Anne Camille
BAUTISTA, Jose Mari
CONSTANTINO, Angela Grace
DEFERIA, Ellen Joy
MANLONGAT, Averie
S13
DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY – MANILA
ABSTRACT
In the year 2007, the Construction Industry in the Philippines grew by almost 20% in real terms, fuelled by a 30% real increase in government construction expenditures and a 10% increase in private construction investment. The paper aims to focus on the issue on the dominance of foreign architects in the Philippines. It seems that all of the country’s home grown talents are flocking away from their homeland to work. And on the other hand, foreign firms are taking over most of the construction projects in ou
In order to learn more about this issue, the group
decided to look for researches and statistical data. Towards the end of the research, the group found out that the main reason why this is happening is architects find better job opportunities and offers abroad. With this reason, most Filipinos opt to leave the country to work.
1. INTRODUCTION
Architecture is the highest quality of design. It provides a sense of place and support of all types of human activity, in which it is transformed into concepts and developed into building figures. Architects gather and assemble all the concepts and design and budgetary requirements given by clients, restraints of a site, needs of the building’s users, and the limitations of materials into a unique and baladesign solution.
The main focus of architecture in the Philippines is
in the built environment designed for humaThis includes the scope the design of the total built environment, from the macro-level of town planning, urban design, and landscape architecture Philippines to the microlevel of creating furniture. Builders address the issue of Feasibility and cost, while the users address the function and aesthetics. This distinguishes it from applied science or engineering, which usually concentrate more on the functional and feasibility aspects of the design of constructions or structures.
In the year 2007, the Construction Industry in the Philippines grew by almost 20% in real terms, fuelled by a 30% real increase in government construction expenditures and a 10% increase in private construction investment. The
sue on the dominance of foreign architects in the Philippines. It seems that all of the country’s home grown talents are flocking away from their homeland to work. And on the other hand, foreign firms are taking over most of the construction projects in our country.
In order to learn more about this issue, the group decided to look for researches and statistical data. Towards the end of the research, the group found out that the main reason why this is happening is architects find better job
and offers abroad. With this reason, most
INTRODUCTION
Architecture is the highest quality of design. It provides a sense of place and support of all types of human activity, in
ncepts and developed into building figures. Architects gather and assemble all the concepts and design and budgetary requirements given by clients, restraints of a site, needs of the building’s users, and the limitations of materials into a unique and balanced
The main focus of architecture in the Philippines is in the built environment designed for human habitation.
scope the design of the total built level of town planning, urban
design, and landscape architecture Philippines to the micro-level of creating furniture. Builders address the issue of
ess the function and aesthetics. This distinguishes it from applied science or engineering, which usually concentrate more on the functional and feasibility aspects of the design of
Though we have modern architecture here
Philippines, still some Filipinos choose to work abroad resulting to the dominance of foreign architectscountry. There are lots of foreigners handling designs and housing in our country. has been the issue in the field of Architecture in our country.
2. REVIEW OF RELATED CO
AutoCAD® software - lets you design, visualize, and document your ideas. [1]
Feasibility - how practical or possible something is Macro-level - refers to macro economicof an entire economy of a country than just one particular market in that country (micro). [3] [1] Autodesk – AutoCAD. Retrieved March 10, 2009 fromhttp://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/ servlet/index12&id=2704278. [2] What is feasibility? Retrieved March 10, 2009 fromhttp://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060904005110AAw4tML [3] What does macro-level mean? Retrieved March 10, 2009 from http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080330024926AAuMH69
Though we have modern architecture here in the Filipinos choose to work abroad
resulting to the dominance of foreign architects in our There are lots of foreigners handling architectural
in our country. Over the past years, this issue in the field of Architecture in our country.
REVIEW OF RELATED CONCEPTS
lets you design, visualize, and
how practical or possible something is. [2]
refers to macro economics- which is the study of an entire economy of a country than just one particular
AutoCAD. Retrieved March 10, 2009 from http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/ servlet/index?siteID=1231
Retrieved March 10, 2009 from http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060904005
Retrieved March 10, 2009 http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080
3. DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUE
The Philippines is home to some of the world’s best architects and yet we are way behind in our own country when it comes to construction and architecture. Just looking around Metro Manila, you could already see how many buildings need to be either majorly renovated or even demolished as they are already a threat to one’s safety. We can’t blame our universities because schools like University of Santo Thomas and University of the Philippines produce quality architects every year. We also can’t blame lack ofresources because we have lots of it; there isn’t a time in the Philippines when a road isn't being renovated. Pablo Ocampo corner Taft Avenue is a prime example as its construction never seems to end. We also aren’t that far behind when it comes to technology with the rise of different software that makes the transition of ideas to reality so much easier. What is hindering the industry from booming in the Philippines is the lack of support from the country and the better offers from foreign firms that is draining us of our quality architects.
Brain drain isn’t something new in the Philippines. Since the 1970’s, the number of Filipinos opting to work abroad has risen exponentially every year from an estimated 36,000 workers in 1975 to 11,000,000 as of is helping the country’s economy, with an estimated inflow of $16,000,000,000 in remittances last 2008, the country is also suffering from a lack of skilled workers in all industries construction and architecture included. Just last Novemb2008, Iraq has asked the Philippines to lift a ban on sending workers there because they needed as many as 10,000,000 foreign workers for infrastructure projects.graduates are not spared from this rising problem as many architecture graduates find working abroad with lucrative salaries much more appealing than staying here. There are quite a number of registered contractors in the country. In fact, according to DPWH, those starting
SUE
The Philippines is home to some of the world’s best architects and yet we are way behind in our own country when it comes to construction and architecture. Just looking around Metro Manila, you could already see how many
renovated or even demolished as they are already a threat to one’s safety. We can’t blame our universities because schools like University of Santo Thomas and University of the Philippines produce quality architects every year. We also can’t blame lack of resources because we have lots of it; there isn’t a time in the Philippines when a road isn't being renovated. Pablo Ocampo corner Taft Avenue is a prime example as its construction never seems to end. We also aren’t that far
ology with the rise of different software that makes the transition of ideas to reality so much easier. What is hindering the industry from booming in the Philippines is the lack of support from the country and the better offers from foreign firms that is
Brain drain isn’t something new in the Philippines. Since the 1970’s, the number of Filipinos opting to work abroad has risen exponentially every year from an estimated 36,000 workers in 1975 to 11,000,000 as of 2007. While this is helping the country’s economy, with an estimated inflow of $16,000,000,000 in remittances last 2008, the country is also suffering from a lack of skilled workers in all industries construction and architecture included. Just last November 2008, Iraq has asked the Philippines to lift a ban on sending workers there because they needed as many as 10,000,000 foreign workers for infrastructure projects.[4] Fresh graduates are not spared from this rising problem as many
find working abroad with lucrative e appealing than staying here.[5]
There are quite a number of registered contractors in the country. In fact, according to DPWH, those starting
with letter B alone go up to 200+ which is more than enough for a small country such as the Philippines.is also an abundant amount of undeveloped land in the country which could be utilized for different architectural projects. Despite these, major foreign and local investors alike tend to lean towards international firms as they have the best skilled workers, which is quite ironic since some of these workers came from the Philippines. Also, a lot of foreign architects have strong ties with foreign companies in the country if not owning them so they prprojects here instead of hiring their local counterparts.
Support from the government would be an easy way to solve this problem with only onecountry’s 200 kilometers of roads being paved and only less than half being adequate for all-could help rejuvenate the local construction and architecture industry. The sad reality though is that foreign architects and engineers are still favored for major projects such as these. One good example is the North Luzon Expressway which was constructed by a foreign company in a 5 year plan composed of 3 years proposal and planning and 2 years construction. The whole project cost an estimated $371,000,000 which could have been a huge boost to the local economy had they hired local contractors. The result of the project to the public was a 700% increase in toll charges to get back what they invested. [7]
[4] Iraq asks Philippines to lift ban on sending workers Construction & Industry. Retrieved March 8, 2009 frhttp://www.arabianbusiness.com/538293philippines-to-lift-ban-on-sending-workers [5] Architecture. Retrieved March 8, 2009 from http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/12/08/bus/architecture.grads.leaving.html [6] Department of Public Works and HighwaysMarch 8, 1009 from http://www.dpwh.gov.ph/ doing _business/procurement/civil_works/reg_contractors.asp[7] http://www.roadtraffic-technology.com/projects/northluzon/
with letter B alone go up to 200+ which is more than gh for a small country such as the Philippines. [6] There
is also an abundant amount of undeveloped land in the country which could be utilized for different architectural projects. Despite these, major foreign and local investors
s international firms as they have which is quite ironic since some of
these workers came from the Philippines. Also, a lot of foreign architects have strong ties with foreign companies in the country if not owning them so they prefer to work on projects here instead of hiring their local counterparts.
Support from the government would be an easy way to solve this problem with only one-quarter of the country’s 200 kilometers of roads being paved and only less
-weather travel, projects could help rejuvenate the local construction and architecture industry. The sad reality though is that foreign architects and engineers are still favored for major projects such as these.
rth Luzon Expressway which was constructed by a foreign company in a 5 year plan composed of 3 years proposal and planning and 2 years construction. The whole project cost an estimated $371,000,000 which could have been a huge boost to the
d they hired local contractors. The result of the project to the public was a 700% increase in toll charges
Iraq asks Philippines to lift ban on sending workers - . Retrieved March 8, 2009 from
http://www.arabianbusiness.com/538293-iraq-asks-workers
Architecture. Retrieved March 8, 2009 from http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/12/08/bus/archit
Works and Highways. Retrieved http://www.dpwh.gov.ph/ doing
/procurement/civil_works/reg_contractors.asp technology.com/projects/north-
According to Marie Rose Javier, foreign architects have stolen millions worth of projects here in the Philippines and added that Filipino architects’ businesses in other countries aren’t doing as good as they should. “This is one of the problems brought about by globalization that sadly we have observed here in our country,” she said. A level playing field is needed to compete globally world of architecture. [8]
Another reason why foreign companies always
seem to get the big projects is that because the people hiring them look at it as a status symbol, hiring these foreign companies. The Filipino mentality that “foreign is better” also plays a big part in this equation fueled by the elitist power and prestige brought by it. Local companies try to justify hiring foreign firms by saying that Filipinos lack the expertise in designing high-rise 30 to 50 storey towers compared to their foreign counterparts which isn’t etrue as we have developed quality architects ourselves that could do the job just as well, if not better. Not helping is the fact that copy-cats have sprung out like wild mushrooms imitating western designs completely forgetting our heritage and style through the coercion from clients who want foreign designs for a cheaper price. This limits our architects to express and show their ideas and be labeled as imitators. [9]
Business Week states that, The Philippines has everything it needs tregional economic power: abundant natural resources, an
ccording to Marie Rose Javier, foreign architects have stolen millions worth of projects here in the Philippines and added that Filipino architects’ businesses in other countries aren’t doing as good as they should. “This is
ut by globalization that sadly we have observed here in our country,” she said. A level playing field is needed to compete globally in the
Another reason why foreign companies always seem to get the big projects is that because the people hiring them look at it as a status symbol, hiring these foreign companies. The Filipino mentality that “foreign is better”
ation fueled by the elitist power and prestige brought by it. Local companies try to justify hiring foreign firms by saying that Filipinos lack the
rise 30 to 50 storey towers compared to their foreign counterparts which isn’t exactly true as we have developed quality architects ourselves that could do the job just as well, if not better. Not helping is the
cats have sprung out like wild mushrooms imitating western designs completely forgetting our heritage
le through the coercion from clients who want foreign designs for a cheaper price. This limits our architects to express and show their ideas and be labeled as cheap
The Philippines has everything it needs to be a regional economic power: abundant natural resources, an
industrious and educated work force, and a strategic location within three hours of all major Asian cities. Growth last year was the fastest in three decades, bucking the global trend, and the country is enjoying political stability and a commensurate peak in investor contopped $4.6 billion, according to the National Statistical Coordination Board. However, the country’s infrastructure bottlenecks, from road and rail to pogeneration, are a threat to sustained economic growth
3. RECOMMENDATION
Our country produce the best architects yet, looking around Metro Manila alone, one can see that there are still a lot of buildings yet to be renovated. It has been concluded by the group that most Filipino architects, or Filipino workers for that matter, prefer to work overseas. Yes, the Philippines’s technology is not behind other countries, but because of the high salary and many benefits that other countries offer, our architects are enticed to work for them. The lack of government support also added to chooses to work abroad.
To address this problem, we recommend that the government should give their support to architecture and construction companies. Our architects will be more motivated to work in their own country if they are acknowledged by the government. The local companies can also start giving more benefits for our architects, which will match the benefits offered by other countries. These benefits include medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance and life insurance. It will also help if the architects will be able to get retirement plans. Since what they are really after is a reasonable salary and benefits, why not offer it to them here? In view of the fact that the job being offered here in the country does not require them to be separated from their family, the group believes that more architects will surely opt to stay in the country and work here instead. [8] Retrieved March 8, 2009 from http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/cag/2002/09/25/001411us.html [9]
Benchmarking Philippine Architecture.8, 2009 from http://www.livinginthephilippines.comculture/culture%26arts/benchmarking_architecture.html[10] Focus on Infrastructure. Retrieved March 8, 2009 from http://www.businessweek.com/adsections/2008/pdf/092908_phil.pdf
industrious and educated work force, and a strategic location within three hours of all major Asian cities. Growth last year was the fastest in three decades, bucking the global
country is enjoying political stability and a commensurate peak in investor confidence – FDI last year topped $4.6 billion, according to the National Statistical Coordination Board. However, the country’s infrastructure bottlenecks, from road and rail to ports and power generation, are a threat to sustained economic growth. [10]
RECOMMENDATION
Our country produce the best architects yet, looking around Metro Manila alone, one can see that there are still a lot of buildings yet to be renovated. It has been concluded by the group that most Filipino architects, or Filipino workers for
prefer to work overseas. Yes, the Philippines’s technology is not behind other countries, but because of the high salary and many benefits that other countries offer, our architects are enticed to work for them. The lack of
the reasons why OFWs
To address this problem, we recommend that the government should give their support to architecture and construction companies. Our architects will be more motivated to work in their own country if they are properly acknowledged by the government. The local companies can also start giving more benefits for our architects, which will match the benefits offered by other countries. These benefits include medical insurance, dental insurance, vision
life insurance. It will also help if the architects will be able to get retirement plans. Since what they are really after is a reasonable salary and benefits, why not offer it to them here? In view of the fact that the job
y does not require them to be separated from their family, the group believes that more architects will surely opt to stay in the country and work
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/cag/2002/09/25/0014110b
Benchmarking Philippine Architecture. Retrieved March http://www.livinginthephilippines.com /phil
culture/culture%26arts/benchmarking_architecture.html on Infrastructure. Retrieved March 8, 2009 from
sweek.com/adsections/2008/pdf/092908
Lastly, we would also like to recommend to the architects that they should learn to love their own country more. As a good citizen of the country, one must contribute to help the country progress. They should not be blinded by the tons of money offered by the other countries because our country also offers a lot of opportunities and that if they are just dedicated to their career and work hard, then they will be able to earn a lot without even leaving the country. As said from the Business Week article, everything that the Philippines need is already found in the country, all the Filipinos have to do is utilize it.
5. CONCLUSION
We all know that the Filipino architects are very talented and of high quality. When it comes to technology, we think that the Philippines is not behind from other countries. Some of the newest architecture styles and technology like AutoCAD 2009 is now being used in our country. We think that the problems that the field of architecture is facing when it comes to competing with foreign architects are the lack of support from the government and lesser benefits that foreign companies.
The government should realize that architecture companies also need their support. Not only in terms of financial needs but also the motivation. If only the government will be able to give them enough support, we believe that architecture can be one field that we Filipinos can be proud of. A bigger benefit from foreign architecture companies than local ones is another issue that we can see. We all know that local companies can only give so much. We think that maybe the only solution to this problem is architect’s love for his work and pride for his country. Even though bigger benefits are available in some companies, the love or passion for his work and pride for his country can make an architect stay and continue his job here in the Philippines.
Architecture is one field that we Filipinos take for
granted. Just look around and you will see that Filipino architects, with no questions asked are the best in the world.
5. REFERENCE
[1] Autodesk – AutoCAD. Retrieved March 10, 2009 from http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/ servlet/index?siteID=1231 12&id=2704278. [2] What is feasibility? Retrieved March 10, 2009 from http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20060904005110AAw4tML [3] What does macro-level mean? Retrieved March 10, 2009 from http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080 330024926AAuMH69
[4] Iraq asks Philippines to lift ban on sending workers - Construction & Industry. Retrieved March 8, 2009 from http://www.arabianbusiness.com/538293-iraq-asks-philippines-to-lift-ban-on-sending-workers [5] Architecture. Retrieved March 8, 2009 from http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ceb/2008/12/08/bus/architecture.grads.leaving.html [6] Department of Public Works and Highways. Retrieved March 8, 1009 from http://www.dpwh.gov.ph/ doing _business/procurement/civil_works/reg_contractors.asp [7] http://www.roadtraffic-technology.com/projects/north-luzon/ [8] Retrieved March 8, 2009 from http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/cag/2002/09/25/0014110bus.html [9]
Benchmarking Philippine Architecture. Retrieved March 8, 2009 from http://www.livinginthephilippines.com /phil culture/culture%26arts/benchmarking_architecture.html [10] Focus on Infrastructure. Retrieved March 8, 2009 from http://www.businessweek.com/adsections/2008/pdf/092908_phil.pdf
