The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it will release a memorandum circular for new steel standards in August, which is intended to upgrade earthquake resistance in construction materials, BusinessWorld reported.
“We’re focused on that, especially because of the earthquake,” Trade Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque told reporters on the sidelines of the Go Negosyo event, emphasizing the urgency of updating standards following recent seismic events.
The move comes as the Philippines, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, faces frequent earthquakes. The updated standards aim to strengthen building safety by requiring steel that meets higher ductility and toughness requirements, aligning with international best practices.