Tokyo, Japan—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reaffirmed its strong support for the local cement industry as Secretary Cristina A. Roque met with senior executives of Taiheiyo Cement Corporation on May 19 in Tokyo.

During the meeting, Taiheiyo thanked the Philippine government for DTI’s timely decision to impose provisional safeguard duties on cement imports, which have been undercutting local producers. The company, in alignment with the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CEMAP), welcomed the measure and expressed optimism that continued policy support will sustain a robust and competitive domestic cement sector.

“This engagement is a testament to our shared commitment to sustainable industrial development,” said Secretary Roque. “Under the Bagong Pilipinas agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we are determined to build a resilient economy supported by empowered local industries and forward-looking partners like Taiheiyo.”

A key highlight of the discussion was Taiheiyo’s ongoing construction of a PHP 3.72 billion Luzon Distribution Terminal in Calaca City, Batangas. Scheduled to begin operations in early 2026, the facility is designed to supply up to 700,000 tons of cement annually to Luzon. Noting the strategic significance of this development, DTI’s commercial counselor in Tokyo, Dita Angara-Mathay, remarked, “Luzon is the country’s largest market for construction materials, accounting for approximately 60–70% of the Philippines’ total cement demand, and ensuring stable cement supply here directly supports the Philippines’ infrastructure and economic growth priorities.”

As part of its strategy to support sustainable infrastructure, Taiheiyo will utilize this terminal to distribute blended cement. This is a more environmentally friendly alternative that uses industrial by-products like fly ash, slag, or pozzolana to reduce carbon emissions and promote circularity in construction. The company emphasized that the shift to blended cement is not only a response to the rising market demand, but also as part of its broader carbon reduction roadmap.

Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc. (TCPI), the group’s local subsidiary based in Cebu, currently operates at a production capacity of 3 million tons annually. It aims to increase output to 5 million tons and reach a 10% market share by 2030. The company is also investing in sustainability initiatives and community support programs, including local scholarships and health services.

Secretary Roque commended Taiheiyo’s long-term commitment to the Philippines, underscoring the multiplier effect of its investments on jobs, skills development, and regional economic growth.

“Investments like these are cornerstones of our Build Better More infrastructure push. They deliver not just materials for nation-building—but livelihoods, innovation, and inclusive progress for our people,” the trade chief added.

The DTI assured Taiheiyo of continued government backing as it works with local stakeholders to create a fairer, greener, and more competitive cement industry for the Philippines. ♦

Date of Release: 22 May 2025

Related posts:

Philippines advances construction, architecture, and engineering collaboration with Australia through second business mission DTI, MinebeaMitsumi reaffirm ties to deepen PH-Japan tech and manufacturing cooperation Filipino fashion takes the spotlight at The Kudan with Paul Cabral’s “Filipino Elegance” DTI brings OTOP to SM City Dasmariñas, expands market for local businesses DTI opens 8th OTOP Philippines store in Cagayan Valley DTI strengthens enterprise support, returns intensive food safety program for regulatory success Foreign Trade Service Corps champions technology advancement at the 2025 Game Development Summit  PTIC Taipei bridges trade and culture at Taiwan Sunshine Island Vibes Fest 2025