Iloilo running out of cement for projects

ILOILO CITY—A shortage of cement has slowed construction activity in Iloilo amid a continued increase in real estate and public works projects.

A supplier of hollow blocks from Alimodian town in Iloilo said delivery to contractors in subdivisions have been staggered due to limited supply.

“I earn P80 from every bag of cement. My earnings have been reduced because I have to pay my workers but work is dependent on the availability of cement,” said the supplier, who asked that he not be identified.

The dry season is normally the peak of construction.

Lack of supply has also raised cement prices. A 40-kilogram bag of Portland cement that previously cost P239 to P255 now costs P255 to P270.

Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson last month said that a shortage of cement is felt in the province because of massive government projects. These include new roads and bridges and widening of existing ones.

Among the major government projects are the Iloilo Convention Center, the 14.8-kilometer President Corazon C. Aquino Avenue (Iloilo circumferential road) and the 15.6-km Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Avenue (Diversion Road).

Singson said the budget for infrastructure projects in Iloilo increased from P1.6 billion in 2011 to P6.1 billion in 2015.

Edilberto Tayao, public works Western Visayas regional director, said the shortage of construction materials, especially cement, has disrupted the timetable of some government projects.