PH cement manufacturers cheer issuance of Tatak Pinoy IRR

MANILA, Philippines —A trade group of cement manufacturers in the country has welcomed the issuance of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the Tatak Pinoy Act, expressing optimism that the measure will lead to more favorable market conditions for local producers of the construction material.

In a statement, the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (Cemap) commended the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for promptly releasing the IRR just months after the law was enacted

“We are confident that this will stimulate progress with bigger investments, more jobs in our communities, more taxes paid to the government, and the development of more sustainable products,” Cemap president Reinier Dizon said in a statement.

Dizon added that the swift completion of the IRR signifies the government’s political will and genuine commitment towards economic progress through the support for local industries and workers.

“With the passing of the Tatak Pinoy Law and its IRR, the Philippine cement industry looks forward to a more stable and robust local cement market that prioritizes bonafide products from Philippine manufacturers,” Dizon also said.

READ: Tatak Pinoy Act to boost local industries’ competitiveness — DTI

The Tatak Pinoy Act, one of the priority legislations of the Marcos administration, was enacted in February while the IRR was signed in late May.

Improving industries’ competitiveness

Under this law, a Tatak Pinoy Council will be established, which will serve as the policy and advisory body of the president that will formulate policies and programs to diversify the productive capabilities of domestic enterprises.

Meanwhile, Dizon also highlighted the plight of the Philippines’ cement industry, citing that the country is plagued by imports from Vietnam.

Dizon said the country continues to accept cement imports despite the local cement producing an annual volume of 50 million tons, which the group had said is more than enough to meet the supply.

The trade group said the domestic capacity is projected to increase by another 5 million tons this year.

Local integrated manufacturing companies that produce cement include the Eagle Cement Corp and Northern Cement of San Miguel Group, Republic Cement and Building Materials, Holcim Philippines Inc., Cemex Holdings Philippines through its Solid Cement and Apo Cement, Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Goodfound Cement Corp and Century Peak Cement.