Local cement manufacturers are ready to meet the increasing demand for housing in the Philippines as domestic production capacity improved over the years, Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines (CEMAP) said in a statement Tuesday.

CEMAP president Reinier Dizon said domestic cement production has risen significantly with expansion projects and investments from new players.

“In terms of capacity, the domestic cement industry has grown from 27 million tons in 2014 to 50 million tons in 2024,” Dizon said.

In July this year, Japanese cement manufacturer Taiheiyo inaugurated its new plant in San Fernando, Cebu, with investments amounting to PHP12.8 billion.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Laos this month, also witnessed the handing over of a green lane certificate to Thai fiber cement manufacturer Shera with investments of PHP2.9 billion.

CEMAP is also optimistic about the local industry with the government’s national housing program under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program.

As of August this year, the Marcos administration has 170,000 housing units under 55 projects across the country.

The private sector continues to launch new residential projects as well. According to Leechiu Property Consultancy (LPC), 2,145 fresh residential units were launched in the third quarter of 2024.

But the recent rate cuts by the Monetary Board will boost new launches and take-up, LPC added.

Dizon is also confident that the Republic Act 11981 or the Tatak Pinoy Act, which encourages the use of Philippine-made products, will also support the growth of the local cement industry.

Meanwhile, CEMAP participated in the 32nd National Developers Convention organized by the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association (SHDA) in collaboration with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) in Davao City early this month.

With the theme “Puy-Anan Para Sa Tanan: Collaborating Towards A Unified Housing Roadmap”, the convention brought together key industry leaders to address challenges in the housing sector. Strategies to develop a unified approach to meet the Philippines’ growing housing needs were also discussed.

“Cement is a vital material for house construction and infrastructure. The local cement industry can support the SHDA by providing product availability, quality, consistency, freshness, cost savings on logistics, and sustainability,” Dizon said. (PNA)