A group photo shows Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque and several staff members, including DTI Assistant Secretaries Chua and Layug, and DTI-PTIC Tokyo STR Dita Angara-Mathay, posed with Japanese business representatives including Mr. Shinji Fukami, Senior General Manager of International Business Division, Mr. Masao Osumi, General Manager, and Ms. Narumi Saito & Mr. Hidetaka Yamanokuchi from the International Business Division. They stand in a room with a gold folding screen backdrop. In front of them on the table are cups of coffee and refreshments.
From L to R: Ms. Narumi Saito, Group 1, Business Development Department, International Business Division, Mr. Hidetaka Yamanokuchi, Group 1, Business Development Department, International Business Division, Mr. Masao Osumi, General Manager, Business Development Department, International Business Division, Mr. Shinji Fukami, Director, Senior Executive Officer, Senior General Manager of International Business Division, DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque, DTI Assistant Secretary Englebert Josef Chua, DTI-PTIC Tokyo STR Dita Angara-Mathay, and DTI Assistant Secretary May Niña Celynne Layug

Tokyo, Japan—The Philippines is witnessing a significant boost in its infrastructure capacity as Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc. (TCPI) doubles its cement production in Cebu. The company’s PHP 12.8 billion state-of-the-art, energy-efficient manufacturing facility has increased its output from 50,000 to 65,000 bags to a remarkable 100,000 bags per day, directly addressing the country’s growing infrastructure needs.

This surge in production was highlighted during a meeting between Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina A. Roque and TCPI executives on March 03. The discussions focused on Taiheiyo’s long-term commitment to the local market, with the company pledging to continue developing strategies to boost domestic production by enhancing distribution networks.

“The Philippines cement sector presents robust growth opportunities backed by a supportive regulatory framework, strategic location in Southeast Asia, rapid urbanization, a growing effort to sustainable practices, and a readily available, skilled labor pool,” said Secretary Roque.

“Our ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ vision aims to create a fertile ground for global industry leaders like Taiheiyo Cement to advance their investments, drive innovation, and contribute to the country’s sustainable development. This is crucial for building a more competitive and resilient industrial sector,” the trade chief added.

Facilitating the meeting, Special Trade Representative (STR) Dita Angara Mathay of the DTI-Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Tokyo affirmed TCPI’s critical contribution to the Philippines’ growth. She stated, “TCPI’s global leadership in cement production, evidenced by their numerous awards for quality, sustainability, and innovation, positions them as a key partner in our national development and modernization efforts.”

Building on its established presence in Cebu since 2000, Taiheiyo is constructing a distribution terminal in Calaca, Batangas, strategically targeting the Luzon market, which accounts for 64% of the country’s cement demand. Once operational, this new facility will streamline logistics, optimize supply chain efficiency, and ensure timely delivery of cement to this critical region.

To bolster a competitive environment in the cement industry, the DTI has been implementing rigorous quality control measures and enforcing fair trade practices. She underscored the DTI’s dedication to maintaining a level playing field, ensuring product standards, and protecting both consumers and local manufacturers.

“Like cement that fortifies structure, Taiheiyo’s investments will strengthen the Philippines’ foundation for sustained industrial excellence, paving the way for resilient infrastructure, residential, and commercial development that will benefit generations to come. By integrating modern technologies and improving operational efficiency, this partnership expands local production, generates quality jobs, and reinforces the country’s position as a key force in regional infrastructure advancement,” Secretary Roque emphasized. ♦

Date of release: 06 March 2025