Uploaded on 2017-02-28 by Joseph Talampas

The photo shows the ongoing demolition of what was once the site of the InterContinental Hotel, Manila, amidst a backdrop of buildings in a nearby developing Bonifacio Global City Central Business District. The Philippines, like many countries discussed in the lectures, has adopted the practice of using steel and concrete to construct buildings. The use of these materials is clearly seen in the demolition site, and in many of the existing buildings in the city. While the Philippines continues to revive or develop its steel and cement industries respectively, it imports a fraction of these materials from neighbouring countries; primarily China for steel, and Vietnam for cement. As one of the fastest growing Asian economies, and the new administration’s focus on developing the country’s infrastructure, the demand for steel and cement is set to continue rising.