Heroes and Pioneers: Former OFWs join SteelAsia to build and operate the country’s first steel sections mill. (L-R) Jeremiah Farinas, Vincent Verba, Antonio Rivera, Isuana Uy, Romeo Serna, Arnel De Leon, Jess Mato, Cenen Reyes, Farolito Bacalla, Rudy Mamigo, Placido Imana.

After spending decades working abroad, a group of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) is now helping build the Philippines’ first steel sections mill.

They had been to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and other parts of the Middle East, where for decades they worked on the region’s section mills.

Today, they are involved in the steel sections mill SteelAsia is building in Lemery town, in Batangas, the country’s first ever.

A steel section mill is an industrial rolling facility that transforms semi-finished steel billets or blooms into finished structural steel shapes, such as I-beams, H-sections, channel steel and angle bars.
These are essential for supplying building materials used in construction, heavy infrastructure and industrial applications.

SteelAsia is on a mission to build the country’s first ever integrated steel sections mill. It has been producing reinforced bars, replacing imports, and now, through its Lemery plant, produce heavy steel products which are 100% imported so far.

The Lemery plant is expected to start operations later this year.

The former OFWs are among 106 repatriated Filipino workers currently employed by SteelAsia across its four mills.

Many of these workers returned to the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic, when jobs dried up as economies reeled from lockdowns and travel restrictions.

Some of the returning workers initially considered retirement after years overseas, especially older employees who were let go due to age.

But many said the opportunity to work in a Philippine steel mill convinced them to return to the industry.

“We feel like veteran soldiers being called to active duty for one last mission for SteelAsia,” said Antonio Rivera, acting production head.

Romeo Serna, a stacker operator, said he sees the project as a chance to contribute to the country.

“We’re like soldiers who used to fight for other countries, and now are being asked to fight for our own nation,” he said.

Cenen Reyes, another returning OFW, said he still wants to work despite having the option to retire.

“My body is still craving for work that involves steel,” Reyes said.

Several workers said they learned about openings at SteelAsia through former colleagues, with many maintaining contact through group chats even after returning home.

Jess Mato, a quality assurance and quality control inspector who was based in Cagayan de Oro after returning to the Philippines, said he initially hesitated before accepting the offer.

“But I realize that we need to help SteelAsia because the mill is for Filipinos,” Mato said.

SteelAsia said its expansion plans are expected to create at least 30,000 jobs in the coming years through direct employment and related industries.

The company is also expanding workforce development through the SteelAsia Academy, which provides technical and vocational training for out-of-school youth and indigenous people from surrounding communities. #