Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque recently met with senior executives of Taiheiyo Cement Corporation in Tokyo, Japan, to reaffirm the Philippine government’s strong support for the cement industry.

In a statement Thursday, DTI said the meeting was held on May 19, centered on Taiheiyo’s ongoing construction of a PHP3.72 billion Luzon Distribution Terminal in Calaca City, Batangas.

The facility scheduled to start operations early next year, can supply up to 700,000 tons of cement annually to Luzon.

Taiheiyo will utilize this terminal to distribute blended cement, 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 said the shift to blended cement is not only a response to the rising market demand, but also 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 three million tons annually.

The company aims to increase output to five million tons and reach a 10 percent market share by 2030 and is also investing in sustainability initiatives and community support programs, including local scholarships and health services.

“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 meeting, Taiheiyo also thanked the Philippine government for the imposition of provisional safeguard duties on cement imports.

The company, in alignment with the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, welcomed the measure and expressed optimism that continued policy support will sustain a competitive domestic cement sector.

The DTI assured Taiheiyo of continued government support as it works with local stakeholders to create a greener and more competitive cement industry. (PNA)