Substandard plywoods in Tigaon, Camarines Sur, but DTI “pooh-poohs” to investigate

by Joey Natividad

Contractor Russel Rosero of Tigaon, Camarines Sur was seething with anger after receiving a 1/4 inch thick plywood from a local hardware where he ordered a 1/2 inch thick plywood.

Sizing up the plywood as “substandard,” he confronted the hardware but was told the same kind of plywoods were delivered by the supplier.

“Complaint to DTI, but. . .”

Rosero complained to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Camarines Sur provincial office, and requested DTI to conduct investigative monitoring about “substandard” construction materials, particularly plywoods being sold at hardwares & construction outlets in Tigaon.

Receipt of purchase of 1/2 inch plywood and actually measurement by ruler of thickness, or thinness showing 1/4 inch.

“DTI sleeping on the job”

Rosero was surprised when a top DTI-Cam Sur official told him “substandard” plywoods are not DTI concern and not included in the construction materials.

The DTI official “pooh-poohed” any suggestion for investigation about substandard plywoods.

“Russel, good afternoon po. Plywood is not included in the mandatory for Standard Monitoring po,” said Jay Percival S. Ablan, in a text message in answer to Rosero’s complaint.

Ablan is reported as the new OIC Provincial Director of DTI for Camarines Sur.

Rosero informed online news, Bicol Express News, on Wednesday that DTI-Cam Sur is “sleeping on its mandate” and ignorant on important updates.

“New DTI order puts Plywood under Product standardization quality”

Rosero cited the DTI-Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) had issued an order mandating plywood to undergo Product Certification schemes.

This was mandated by DTI Department Administrative Order no. 20-06 series of 2020 issued on October 15, 2020.

In the DTI order, plywood manufacturers are mandated to secure Product Standard Quality Certification Mark License.

“Most probably, DTI-Cam Sur does not know about latest policies from DTI national level,” Rosero said.

Contrary to DTI-Cam Sur belief about plywood, this construction material now is under Product Standard quality specifications to satisfy end-users in the construction market and to counter proliferation of substandard plywoods.