The Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) assured the housing developers its members have sufficient supply of cement to support their projects, bolstered by government’s policy to prioritize local versus imports.
At the 32nd National Developers Convention held in Davao City on October 10 and 11, CeMAP president Reinier Dizon said domestic cement industry has nearly doubled in the past 10 years from 27 million tons in 2014 to 50 million tons in 2024.
“Local cement manufacturers have more than enough capacity to meet the demands of the market, and are poised to deliver ample supply provided that developers actively procure from them as well,” Dizon told delegates of the convention organized by the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).
In a plenary session on incentives for housing, CeMAP also focused on promoting local solutions for developers to complete their projects efficiently and sustainably.
“Cement is a vital material for house construction and infrastructure,” added Dizon.
“The local cement industry can support the SHDA by providing product availability, quality, consistency, freshness, cost savings on logistics, and sustainability.”
The cement industry is encouraged by Republic Act 11981 or the Tatak Pinoy (Proudly Filipino) Act which was passed earlier this year as this prioritizes locally produced cement for government projects and procurements.
CeMAP said locally made materials which adhere to Philippine national standards are more suited to the country’s climate and geological conditions.
“The measure is also seen to open the door for more widespread patronage of domestic industries, stirring local economy and sustaining Filipino jobs,” CeMAP said.