DOST Urges Overhaul of Steel Manufacturing Process Amid Safety Concerns for Earthquake-Ready Infrastructure
In a recent press briefing at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay on April 9, 2025, Roberto Cola, a member of the Department of Science and Technology - Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC), made a compelling case for the Philippine government to outlaw the induction furnace (IF) process in the production of steel used in construction materials. His remarks highlight concerns that the continued use of this method threatens the safety of buildings and infrastructure, especially in the face of significant seismic risks like "The Big One," a potential magnitude-7.2 earthquake expected to strike the Philippines.
Cola’s concerns revolve around the induction furnace (IF) technology, which he described as a major flaw in the country's steel manufacturing industry. While this method is still in use in several regions of the Philippines, such as Pampanga, Bukidnon, Bataan, and Valenzuela, Cola pointed out that neighboring countries have already banned the practice due to its production of substandard steel, which could pose a danger in the event of an earthquake. Countries such as Taiwan, Japan, China, Indonesia, and Thailand have already prohibited the use of IF furnaces for construction-grade steel, citing the process’s inability to consistently remove harmful elements from the steel, leading to inferior quality materials that are unsafe for structural use.
Why Induction Furnaces Are Problematic for Safety and Quality
The induction furnace process has long been recognized as a cost-effective method for steel production. However, according to Cola, the key issue with IF technology is that it does not remove harmful impurities from the liquid steel, which compromises the strength and consistency of the steel products produced. Steel used in construction must meet strict standards to withstand the forces of nature, and low-quality steel could have fatal consequences in the event of a massive earthquake like The Big One.
As Cola emphasized, the induction furnace method results in steel that is prone to failures under stress, which is particularly dangerous when used in building materials. This type of steel may fail to meet safety standards needed for construction projects such as high-rise buildings, bridges, and other vital infrastructure—all of which are at high risk of collapse during a major earthquake.
International Precedents and Calls for Action
The risk posed by induction furnaces is not just a local issue. China, a country that previously relied heavily on induction furnaces, recognized the risks of substandard construction-grade steel in 2002 and subsequently banned these facilities for steel production. By 2017, China had completely prohibited the use of induction furnaces in the steelmaking process for construction purposes.
Following this shift, some manufacturers moved their operations to Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. However, this migration of substandard practices could have long-term consequences for the safety of the country’s infrastructure.
Additionally, Ronald Magsajo, the President of the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI), pointed out that the ASEAN Iron and Steel Council had issued a warning back in 2018, advising member countries to limit the use of induction furnace technologies to foundry and metal casting purposes only. The council specifically advised against using this technology for construction-grade steel, citing similar safety concerns raised by Cola.
Addressing the Risks of Earthquake-Resilient Construction
Cola’s call for a ban on induction furnaces comes as the Philippines ramps up its preparation efforts for the anticipated “Big One,” a catastrophic earthquake that could claim thousands of lives and cause widespread damage. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD), led by Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno, has warned that around 500,000 structures across the country may collapse if the anticipated earthquake strikes. This includes homes, office buildings, and public infrastructure such as bridges and hospitals.
Nepomuceno stressed the importance of earthquake-resistant buildings, asserting that Philippine structures should be capable of withstanding magnitude 8.5 quakes or stronger. Shortcuts in construction practices, such as using substandard materials, could make these buildings even more vulnerable to collapse, amplifying the damage caused by such a powerful earthquake.
Cola's call for the ban on induction furnaces ties into a broader national discussion about improving the safety of the country’s infrastructure. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has begun to assess over 21,000 public buildings as part of its efforts to ensure that these structures can withstand The Big One.
Potential Economic Impact and the Role of Government Regulations
The proposed ban on induction furnaces could have significant economic implications for the steel industry in the Philippines. However, Cola and other officials argue that investing in safer, higher-quality steel production technologies is essential for the long-term sustainability of the country’s infrastructure. The government must be prepared to support the industry through this transition, possibly by offering incentives to modernize steel plants or adopt safer technologies like electric arc furnaces or blast furnaces that are capable of producing superior-quality steel.
In addition to promoting stricter regulations, experts suggest that the government should increase public awareness about the importance of using high-quality materials in construction, especially in a country prone to seismic activity. Public-private partnerships could be instrumental in achieving this goal, encouraging collaboration between government agencies, steel producers, and construction companies.
Key Takeaways:
• Induction Furnace Risks: The induction furnace process produces substandard steel that fails to meet the necessary strength and quality standards for construction, which can compromise public safety.
• Global Precedents: Neighboring countries like Taiwan, Japan, China, Indonesia, and Thailand have already banned the induction furnace process due to similar safety concerns.
• Philippine Steel Industry: The induction furnace process is still in use in parts of the Philippines, but there is a growing call to eliminate it to prevent risks to infrastructure safety.
• Safety and Earthquake Preparedness: The Philippines is bracing for “The Big One,” a massive earthquake that could cause significant damage, and the need for earthquake-resistant construction is paramount.
• ASEAN Council Warning: The ASEAN Iron and Steel Council has issued concerns about the continued use of induction furnaces for construction-grade steel, advising that it should be limited to foundry and metal casting purposes only.
• Public Awareness and Policy Change: Government efforts are underway to improve building safety, but experts urge more stringent regulations and public awareness campaigns to avoid catastrophic outcomes in the event of a major earthquake.
As the Philippines works towards improving its earthquake resilience, it is crucial that steel manufacturing processes align with global standards to ensure that buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure remain safe and structurally sound when The Big One inevitably strikes.
