International engineering federation FIDIC (the International Federation of Consulting Engineers) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Philippines Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to train government engineers and other construction professionals in the use of FIDIC contracts. 

The two-year MoU was signed following detailed discussions between FIDIC and DTI and has been ratified by the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP), the policy making body for construction in the country. The agreement will assist in the implementation of the Philippine Construction Industry Roadmap 2020-2030, which aims to improve the quality of construction services and promote integrity, professionalism and innovation across the supply chain. 

Under the terms of the MoU, the DTI will conduct a national awareness campaign on FIDIC contracts amongst construction industry stakeholders and include the contracts in its regular training programmes. They will also provide training on FIDIC contract modules for government engineers and other professionals involved in the procurement, contract drafting and administration of contracts for government infrastructure contracts. 

Commenting on the signing of the MoU, FIDIC chief executive Dr Nelson Ogunshakin said: “We are delighted to have signed this agreement with the Philippines DTI and to be working in collaboration with them on delivering a FIDIC contract training programme for their staff over the next two years. This is excellent news for FIDIC and also the construction sector in the Philippines and we look forward to working closely with stakeholders there over the coming months and years.” 

Rowel Barba, undersecretary at the Philippines DTI, said: “The MoU will pave the way for greater understanding and easier adoption of FIDIC contracts among Filipino engineers, particularly in the government agencies that implement Official Development Assistance international competitive bidding and public private partnership projects. We hope that this will lead to progress as we continue into the Golden Age of Infrastructure in the Philippines.” 

FIDIC president Alain Bentéjac said: “I look forward to FIDIC building a strong working relationship in partnership with the DTI and the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines as we collaborate to raise the awareness and use of FIDIC contracts. I am confident that this MoU will help in promoting mutual understanding and enhanced cooperation across the entire construction sector in the Philippines, thereby improving the quality, sustainability and delivery of services in the sector.”