IRENE SINO CRUZ
Construction projects in the Philippines now have access to a wider range of premium and environmentally friendly building materials following a partnership between Cebu Overseas Hardware Co. Inc. and Thailand-based Jorakay Corporation Co., Ltd.
Under the agreement, Cebu Overseas Hardware will distribute and sell around 20 Jorakay products in the Philippines, including tile adhesives and paints.
Founded in 1992, Jorakay is one of Thailand’s leading manufacturers of construction materials and is widely known for its Crocodile brand of tile adhesives, paints, and waterproofing products. The company has built a reputation for developing eco-friendly building solutions that meet international standards.
Cebu Overseas Hardware enters the partnership at a moment when demand for long‑lasting and eco‑friendly building materials is rising among developers, contractors, and homeowners.
Charles Kenneth Co, chief operating officer of Cebu Overseas Hardware, said Jorakay products stood out because of their performance and technical innovation.
“They have very good technical partnerships with leading technology companies in waterproofing, and their products exceed international standards,” Co said.
One demonstration that impressed the Cebu Overseas team involved tile adhesives.
According to Co, Jorakay’s standard tile adhesive performed better compared to some heavy-duty adhesives already available in the local market.
The performance of tile adhesives is particularly important because many flooring problems are often traced not to the tiles themselves but to poor adhesion and improper installation.
“A lot of homeowners experience problems with flooring after a few years. It is usually not the fault of the tile. It is often the adhesive or the way it was installed,” he said.
Also, Jorakay has developed Dustless Technology, an innovation that reduces dust at its source by controlling the structure of tile adhesive cement.
The technology minimizes dust dispersion during mixing and application by more than 80 percent, helping reduce health risks for workers and residents, lowering PM2.5 levels at construction sites, and creating a more environmentally responsible building process.
Beyond supplying adhesive products, Cebu Overseas Hardware will provide training on proper tile installation techniques. The company conducts free seminars and job-site demonstrations to help installers avoid common mistakes that lead to tile detachment and flooring failures.
Co said education is an important part of ensuring long-lasting results. “If the adhesive is properly applied and installers follow the correct procedures, the tiles will adhere for a very long time,” he said.
The partnership also reflects the growing demand for green building materials in the Philippines.
Jorakay’s products carry various environmental certifications, including those recognized under green building standards. The company’s paint products use limestone and are formulated without volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them safer for occupants.
“You can paint a room today and use it the next day. There is no strong odor, and it is safer for occupants,” Co said.
Jorakay’s commitment to sustainability extends to its manufacturing processes. Its production facilities incorporate water recycling systems, emission controls, and other environmental measures designed to reduce waste and conserve resources.
Company representative Mr. Terdtoon said Jorakay integrates environmental considerations throughout the product life cycle, from manufacturing and packaging to construction site use and building occupancy.
Even product packaging has been designed to reduce waste and make disposal easier.
According to Mr. Terdtoon, the innovation reflects the company’s commitment to sustainability not only in the finished product but throughout the construction cycle—from manufacturing and installation to building occupancy.
Meanwhile, Co noted that awareness of sustainable construction has grown significantly in recent years.
“A few years ago, the market was mostly looking for the cheapest products. Today, developers and contractors are asking whether materials can help meet green building requirements,” he said.
Many commercial buildings, malls, and high-rise developments now incorporate solar power systems, energy-saving technologies, and environmentally responsible construction materials as part of their sustainability programs.
For Cebu Overseas Hardware, carrying Jorakay products allows the company to respond to these changing market demands.
“It is good for us to have a partner like Jorakay because we can already offer these solutions to our customers,” Co said.
While green-certified products may command a premium price, Co believes the long-term benefits outweigh the additional cost.
“As a supplier, it adds value to what we offer. For contractors, it adds value to their workmanship. For building owners and occupants, it creates a healthier and more durable space,” Co said.
With this partnership, Cebu Overseas Hardware is helping Philippine builders access smarter materials—high-performing, sustainable, and built for lasting value.