The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque recently met with top executives of Taiheiyo Cement Corporation in Tokyo to reaffirm the Philippine government’s commitment to supporting the cement industry’s growth and sustainability.
According to a statement from the DTI on Thursday, the meeting, held on May 19, highlighted Taiheiyo’s PHP3.72 billion investment in a new Luzon Distribution Terminal in Calaca City, Batangas. The facility, expected to begin operations by early next year, is designed to supply up to 700,000 tons of cement annually across Luzon.
The terminal will primarily distribute blended cement, which incorporates industrial by-products such as fly ash, slag, or pozzolana. This eco-friendlier alternative aims to reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainability within the construction sector.
Taiheiyo said the move to blended cement is part of its carbon reduction roadmap and a response to increasing market demand for greener materials.
Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc. (TCPI), the firm’s local subsidiary in Cebu, currently produces three million tons of cement annually. The company plans to raise capacity to five million tons and capture a 10 percent market share by 2030. It is also prioritizing investments in sustainability and community development programs, such as scholarships and health services for local residents.
“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,” Roque said.
During the dialogue, Taiheiyo executives also expressed gratitude to the Philippine government for the imposition of provisional safeguard duties on imported cement. They welcomed the measure, echoing the stance of the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, and voiced hope for continued policy support to boost domestic industry competitiveness.
The DTI reaffirmed its commitment to back Taiheiyo’s efforts and to work with stakeholders in building a more resilient, environmentally responsible cement sector.