The Philippine steel industry is grappling with the discovery of substandard rebars following recent test-buys in Mindanao. The issue comes just weeks after similar findings in Northern Luzon, raising serious concerns about public safety and construction integrity.
The Philippine Iron and Steel Institute has intensified its campaign against inferior steel rebars to protect consumers and uphold industry standards. Test results indicate that the substandard rebars could potentially support the construction of over 10,000 houses per month, endangering the lives of approximately 30,000 individuals who may be exposed to these unsafe materials.
In response to the findings, PISI has urged the Department of Trade and Industry to conduct a comprehensive surveillance audit of the companies involved in distributing these faulty rebars. This proactive measure aims to ensure accountability and prevent the distribution of substandard products in the market.
PISI conducted random test-buys from
9 to 13 September, acquiring rebars from various hardware stores across Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga del Norte, Samal Island, Cotabato City, Pagadian City, and Iligan City. The results revealed that several rebars failed laboratory tests due to inadequate weight standards and susceptibility to brittleness.
The report highlighted specific manufacturers linked to the substandard products, including Davao Mighty Steel, Philippine Sanjia Steel, and Keim Hing Steel. Additionally, several Mindanao hardware stores, such as KLM Enterprise, A&V Construction Materials Trading, D Nine D Builders and Electrical Supply, Stonefire Hardware and Construction Supplies, Forcas Hardware Enterprises, and Joneff Mercantile, were found to have sold the defective rebars.
These rebars not only failed to meet minimum safety standards but also posed similar risks as those identified in Northern Luzon, which were tested by the Bureau of Philippine Standards Testing Laboratory in Cavite. The consistency of these findings underscores the urgent need for regulatory action.
PISI has been conducting these test-buys in collaboration with the DTI to promote public safety and protect consumers from potential hazards. The organization is committed to ensuring that only high-quality steel products are available in the market, emphasizing the critical role of compliance with industry standards for the safety of construction projects nationwide.
