Industry groups are urging the Department of Trade and Industry to immediately implement new steel standards and ban the use of induction furnace (IF) to promote infrastructure and building safety, as the country is prone to earthquakes, according to a report by Philstar Biz.

The groups argue that induction furnaces, often used in smaller steel mills, produce substandard steel that can compromise structural integrity. They want the DTI to adopt stricter quality control measures and phase out outdated manufacturing methods to align with global best practices.

The push comes amid heightened attention to construction safety following recent seismic events. Industry stakeholders believe updated standards and a ban on IF will reduce risks of building collapses and improve overall infrastructure resilience.