The recent flood of cement, mainly from Vietnam, required the Department of Trade and Industry to impose anti-dumping duties for the next five years.

The imposition proved domestic industries still need some measure of protection even as markets in the region opened up after the start of the ASEAN Economic Community.

Safeguard duties allow space for local manufacturers to beef up their strength to compete amid the influx of cheap imports as global trade opens up.

The rule for domestic industries is to compete or be conquered, making it a tough market for cement makers that have invested heavily to modernize and expand output.

Industry officials have vouched for the effectiveness of the safeguard measures in tempering imports from China, Thailand, Japan, and other Asian countries except for Vietnam.

The absence of safeguard duties makes the local industry very vulnerable to imports, especially when energy prices are at their highest.
Cement manufacturing is among the most energy-intensive industries.

The unabated dumping of imported cement from Vietnam "undermined the safeguard measures" that industry leaders said should be strengthened.

Dumping undermines the capability of the domestic cement manufacturing industry to contribute to and catalyze inclusive growth through job creation, tax revenue generation, improving the balance of payments, utilization of local resources, and encouraging additional investments.

Among companies that have emerged stronger amid the challenges of the evolving industry is Century Peak Cement Manufacturing Corporation, a subsidiary of Century Peak Holdings Corp. led by businessman Willie Keng. It plans to increase its monthly cement sales from the current output of 1 million bags to 1.5 million bags.

Its factory in Pinamungajan, Cebu, is projected to ramp up production to 2 million bags per month soon.

Century Peak is pursuing an increase in output while promoting a sustainable environment.