I would like to congratulate Tsuneishi Heavy Industries (Cebu) for the launch of the first Kamsarmax bulk carrier ship. This ship is significant as it can run on methanol, making it a cleaner alternative to traditional bunker fuel-fired ships. What this launch and potentially more locally built ships will mean for us points to a manufacturing future we ought to pursue.

In Jan. 15, 2026, MB article by James Loyola, the 81,200 metric ton bulk carrier named the MV Brave Pioneer is the 381st ship by the Cebu high-technology based shipbuilder, revealing immense potential to produce even more. The same article shares how the Philippines is already the fourth largest shipbuilder in the world by tonnage.

The significance of this ship launch is that it positions the country as one of the advanced sources of the manufacture of new, high technology ships for the world, needing vessels running on alternative fuels. Over time, I believe that engines of this sort can be manufactured in the country.

I believe, therefore, that with this development, more can be done to promote the Philippines as a venue for shipbuilding, ship breaking and repairs of marine transport, even building naval vessels for our armed forces and the world. Moreover, this shows that we are not only among the world's seafaring nations because of our seamen and ship personnel, but also builders of ships.

This possible increase in shipbuilding has the potential to drive the strengthening of the country’s steel industry, since this alloy is needed for ship hulls and engines. We have a history of steel manufacturing and have current downstream manufacturers of various types of steel products. We also have iron ore and chromites reserves in parts of the country that, when responsibly mined, can generate local jobs and help make more steel. Should there be a need for more raw materials that cannot be locally sourced, they can be sourced from other countries and manufactured here.

Having said that, I believe that reviving the steel industry will not only bring jobs, but also allow the country to make the high-value products such as ships and automobiles, which we would otherwise import and spend foreign exchange on. Such products are made not by one company, but fed by a network of smaller manufacturers of components. This is paramount in automobile assembly and manufacturing, since the many components that make up a car, from the mufflers to the seats, can be made by many other local manufacturers.

A steel industry can make more roofing and reinforcing bars needed for building the close to 6.5 million or so dwellings we still need to build to meet the Filipino demand for homes and the necessary infrastructure, such as ports, airports, schools, and hospitals.

Knowing these needs, I hope we can encourage more steel-based industries in the country. This makes it an essential industry we all need to expand, support, and sustain.

Pit Senyor!

I would like to greet the millions who joined the processions in the city of Cebu, and the impressive fluvial procession of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague, popularly known as the Santo Niño in the Mactan channel as well as the thousands making the pilgrimage in Davao and in many other parishes throughout the country.