Former OFW worked way up to build own construction firm

Reytech Construction & Development Corp.

MANILA, Philippines — Hector Reyes is a former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in the Middle East who, as they say, literally built his dreams from the ground up.

Starting as a mechanical fitter, Reyes transformed his vision into reality, working his way up to lead an emerging construction firm in his own home.

In 1994, Reyes founded Reytech Construction & Development Corp., which quickly established itself as a competent and reliable construction partner, boasting over 100 projects under its belt with a 100-percent completion rate. The well-earned reputation for quality and reliability has helped the firm establish an extensive portfolio of industrial projects of industrial projects that involve the construction of warehouses and plants for industry leaders such as  Interflour Philippines, Agri Pacific Corp. for Rebisco, Victory Supply Chain Inc. and Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC) – one of the biggest cooperatives in Batangas.

It counts Siemens, JG Summit, Minola Refining Corp. and First Gas Power Corp., as some of its most loyal clients. Reytech has also been expanding this list of notable partners in commercial sectors with Landers Superstore, BB. Q Chicken, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Philippines and Kuya J Restaurant.

Far from being an overnight success story, Reyes began his journey like most OFWs in the construction industry do – by working abroad to provide a better future for his family. 

He first started as a mechanical fitter at an oil refinery in Kuwait, deploying to the country at a young working age. “I knew that working abroad would help me become more confident and independent, and allow me to develop my skills and expertise,” Reyes said. He eventually became a foreman and later earned a supervisory position overseeing the installation of pipe works, large steel structures and refinery equipment.

A pivotal moment in his career happened when he oversaw an industrial wastewater treatment plant project in Saudi Arabia, where it was his job to hire manpower. He soon hired over 200 Filipino workers from his native province of Batangas. Reyes worked with these workers for almost four years, which led him to realize the talent and skills of Filipinos in basic welding, specialized welding and engineering management. This eventually paved the way for him to hire over 2,000 workers for local and offshore deployment.

“Filipinos are a top choice due to their dedication, willingness, and reliability to meet company deadlines. They are in demand due to their exceptional work, adaptability, and proficiency in English,” Reyes said. “Filipinos are more madiskarte given the right opportunities and incentive. It was also a plus for us that engineering subjects are taught in English here in the Philippines.”

Yet Reyes’ time with his fellow migrant workers also exposed him to the challenges they faced being so far away from home. Homesickness was a particular struggle, with OFWs dreaming of going home. “Back in the 90s, calls back home were far and apart. We had to support each other, so we would get together after work and share our trials and wins,” he said. “I knew that if Filipinos had a choice, they would rather stay and work in the Philippines.”

Seeing the challenges faced by OFWs motivated Reyes to permanently return to the Philippines in 1995, where he finalized all permits and licenses for Reytech. The firm began with government projects before landing a significant contract with LKS Construction for steel works at NAIA Terminal 2. His prior experiences paid off, taking him just one week to assemble the necessary manpower and completing the project on time. Eventually, Reytech also completed the largest cold rolling plant for the Steel Corporation of the Philippines in Balayan, Batangas half a year ahead of schedule.

As the company celebrates its 30 years in the industry this year, Reytech is turning out to be a rising, dynamic player in the hypercompetitive construction industry. To underline this growth, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the construction industry was the top sector in terms of annual  increase in the number of employed persons in May 2024.

This provides OFWs an opportunity to return to the country for good and motivates Reyes to build a bigger dream: to liberate more migrant workers from the struggles that have always plagued them, from homesickness and being away from families to the lack of opportunities back here in the Philippines. This is emphasized by the growing interest of OFWs to return to the Philippines with a 2023 survey from recruiter Robert Walters indicating that 62 percent of overseas Filipinos planning to go back home in the next five years. This has also prompted the government to assure the public of its efforts to reintegrate them into the local workforce.

In fact, a significant portion of Reytech is composed of returning OFWs, recruiting engineers and skilled workers specializing in welding, plumbing, electrical work, and carpentry who often work with advanced technologies and methodologies. These diverse experiences further drive and contribute to Reytech’s innovative approaches and high standards in delivering client success – from preventing cost overruns to emphasizing projected rate of return. 

For Reyes, the most rewarding aspect of Reytech’s success is seeing OFWs and all of its employees thrive in the Philippines and contribute to the country’s construction boom, especially when it means uplifting lives of their families as well. 

“I started the company with fellow OFWs who just wanted to go home and be closer with family and find better opportunities here in the Philippines,” Reyes said. “I’m proud to say Reytech has achieved this. I’ve witnessed how our firm has helped improve the lives of our employees, ensuring their children can pursue education. All of these make me look back on our projects with pride.”