Taiheiyo Cement Corp. will shift to the distribution of blended cement in the Philippines once its P3.72 billion terminal in Calaca, Batangas becomes operational noting that blended cement is more environment friendly and promote circular economy in the cement manufacturing sector.
This was relayed by Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque, who met with senior executives of Taiheiyo Cement Corporation on May 19, 2025 in Tokyo.
She was informed that as part of Taiheiyo strategy to support sustainable infrastructure, the Japanese cement company will utilize this terminal to distribute blended cement. This is 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 emphasized that the shift to blended cement is not only a response to the rising market demand, but also as part of its broader carbon reduction roadmap.
Online data showed that the opposite of blended cement would be ordinary Portland cement (OPC), sometimes referred to as traditional Portland cement. Blended cements are created by adding supplementary materials (like fly ash or ground granulated blast furnace slag) to Portland cement, while OPC is made solely from clinker and gypsum.
Generally, blended cements are ground to higher fineness and exhibit a slower development of mechanical properties compared to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), which might affect the concrete performance in terms of shrinkage cracking at early ages.
Roque assured Taiheiyo of continued government backing as it works with local stakeholders to create a fairer, greener, and more competitive cement industry for the Philippines.
During the meeting, Taiheiyo thanked the DTI’s timely decision to impose provisional safeguard duties on cement imports, which have been undercutting local producers.
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 robust and competitive domestic cement sector.
“This engagement is a testament to our shared commitment to sustainable industrial development,” said Secretary Roque.
A key highlight of the discussion was Taiheiyo’s ongoing construction of a PHP 3.72 billion Luzon Distribution Terminal in Calaca City, Batangas. Scheduled to begin operations in early 2026, the facility is designed to supply up to 700,000 tons of cement annually to Luzon.
Noting the strategic significance of this development, DTI’s commercial counselor in Tokyo, Dita Angara-Mathay, remarked, “Luzon is the country’s largest market for construction materials, accounting for approximately 60–70 percent of the Philippines’ total cement demand, and ensuring stable cement supply here directly supports the Philippines’ infrastructure and economic growth priorities.”
Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc. (TCPI), the group’s local subsidiary based in Cebu, currently operates at a production capacity of 3 million tons annually. It aims to increase output to 5 million tons and reach a 10 percent market share by 2030. The company is also investing in sustainability initiatives and community support programs, including local scholarships and health services.
Roque commended Taiheiyo’s long-term commitment to the Philippines, underscoring the multiplier effect of its investments on jobs, skills development, and regional economic growth.
“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,” the trade chief added.
