National Security Adviser Eduardo SL Oban Jr. warned Tuesday that substandard steel is a growing national security risk, threatening lives, critical infrastructure and the country’s defense supply chain.
Speaking at the 2nd ASEAN Steel Policymaker Conference and 2026 ASEAN Iron and Steel Forum, Oban said poor-quality steel could endanger homes, schools, roads, bridges and ports, especially in disaster-prone countries like the Philippines.
He cited the May 24 collapse of a nine-storey building in Angeles, Pampanga, as a reminder of the need for disaster-resilient construction materials.
Oban also flagged the Philippines’ dependence on imported steel, saying 70% of high-grade finished steel needed for defense is imported.
To address the risks, he proposed an ASEAN Steel Resilience Compact to diversify supplies, strengthen regional cooperation and support domestic producers.
