Premiere construction firm D.M. Consunji, Inc. (DMCI) was awarded infrastructure, energy, buildings, and utilities and plants projects worth P11.7 billion during the first half of 2017, more than double (169%) the P4.5 billion worth of contracts it bagged last year.

With the newly-signed contracts, DMCI’s order book stands at P26.8 billion, 4 percent lower than the P27.9 billion order book from January to June last year.

Among DMCI’s newly-signed projects are the Cavite-Laguna Expressway project of MPCALA Holdings, Inc., Anchor Grand Suites of Anchor Land, the Bued Viaduct and Roadway of Private Infra Dev Corporation, the LRT 2 East (Masinag) Stations under the Department of Transportation, and the civil works for a thermal power plant for engineering procurement and construction contractor JGC Philippines.

Meanwhile, major ongoing projects include Sections 1 and 2 of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project of Citra Central Expressway Corporation, Citygate mixed-use development of Ayala Land, The Royalton and Imperium luxury condominiums of Ortigas & Co., The Areté of Ateneo de Manila University and NCCC Mall of LTS Malls, Inc.

On a stand-alone basis, DMCI recorded a net income P630 million during the first semester, a 65 percent improvement from P393 million during the same period last year. This was due mainly to improved operational efficiencies and lower construction costs among its business units.

“We are seeing some uptick in infrastructure projects but the construction growth is still primarily driven by the private sector. Hopefully, more government-led projects will go online this year,” said DMCI President and CEO Jorge A. Consunji.

According to the Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines, government infrastructure investments increased by 29 percent to P185 billion in 2016, as the public sector moved to fast track the implementation of infrastructure projects under the Aquino and Duterte administrations.

Meanwhile, private construction activities accelerated by 9.5 percent to P596.9 billion due to the increased demand for high rise residential and commercial buildings.