Manila, April 23 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed support for the revival of the steel industry in Northern Mindanao to propel the country's industrialization.

This, as Marcos acknowledged that the local production of steel is "critical for any industrialization" that his administration is planning.

During a meeting with the Regional Development Council of Northern Mindanao (RDC-X) in Cagayan de Oro City on Tuesday, Marcos said there are ongoing discussions with local and foreign groups keen on collaborating to reopen the National Steel Corp. (NSC).

"There are already discussions among certain groups, both foreign and local, that would ensure a partnership to revive the steel mill," Marcos said, as quoted by the Presi...