The Philippine Overseas Construction Board (POCB) of the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines successfully conducted the Virtual Construction Industry Stakeholders’ Consultation on Government Procurement Market Access under the PH–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 13 May 2026 via Zoom, bringing together key representatives from government agencies, industry organizations, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders from the Philippine construction sector.
The consultation served as a platform to gather industry insights and recommendations on proposed threshold levels and identified sensitive sectors in relation to the Philippines’ government procurement market access offer to the European Union. It aimed to ensure that the Philippine negotiating position remains balanced, strategic, and responsive to the needs and priorities of the construction industry.
A primary objective of the consultation was to ensure appropriate requirements and safeguard measures to protect and strengthen the Philippine construction industry, thereby promoting fair competition and sustained participation in both domestic and international markets.
The discussion likewise highlighted the importance of stakeholder participation in shaping the country’s policy direction on international trade and government procurement, underscoring the need for strong collaboration between government and industry to protect national interests while expanding opportunities for Philippine construction firms in the global market.
Providing a broader context to the ongoing PH–EU FTA negotiations, Atty. Allan B. Gepty, Philippine Chief Negotiator and Undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry – International Trade Group, discussed the significance of government procurement in the negotiations, the rationale behind threshold levels, and the importance of identifying sensitive sectors within the construction industry. He also facilitated the open discussion, where stakeholders actively shared their recommendations, concerns, and practical insights.
The consultation concluded with appreciation extended to all participants for their active engagement and substantive inputs, which will contribute to strengthening the Philippine position in the PH–EU FTA negotiations and advancing the competitiveness of the local construction industry. Through this initiative, POCB reaffirms its commitment to meaningful industry engagement, stronger international trade participation, and the sustainable growth and global competitiveness of the Philippine construction sector.
POCB: Voice of the Construction Industry in PH FTA
📩 pocb@construction.gov.ph
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About POCB
The Philippine Overseas Construction Board (POCB) is one of the implementing boards of the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), that promotes the global competitiveness of Filipino contractors, engineers, and architects. Established by Presidential Decree No. 1167, POCB supports the export of construction and technical services through market access, regulatory assistance, and business development, helping drive economic growth and strengthen the Philippines’ presence in international markets.
