Century Peak Cement Manufacturing Corp., the cement arm of listed Century Peak Holdings Corp., has strengthened its presence in the Philippine cement market since it began commercial distribution in the Visayas in 2023, operating a plant in Pinamungajan, Cebu, that the company says is equipped with its own pier for barge shipments to island markets.

The company’s cement unit (CPCMC) was formally disclosed by Century Peak Holdings to the Philippine Stock Exchange as having commenced distribution of cement products in early 2023, a move that marked the group’s entry into manufacturing alongside its mining and other businesses.

Application-specific cement

Century Peak has since been promoting a product lineup aimed at both household and structural applications and highlighting the importance of using application-specific cement as construction activity recovers into 2026. That messaging was reiterated this month as the company pushed guidance for builders to select mixes suited for new builds and larger structural works.

Environmental and supply-chain considerations have factored into the company’s planning. 

Public reporting on company projects indicates CPCMC obtained an environmental compliance certificate for its cement and power plant project and has signaled interest in lowering clinker factors through the use of alternative raw materials and locally sourced inputs to reduce greenhouse-gas intensity and production costs.

Diversification into cement

Century Peak Holdings’ diversification into cement appears to be bearing fruit financially. The listed parent company returned to profitability in the first quarter of 2024, reporting a net income after a prior loss as sales rose — a sign that cement distribution and other operations have contributed to improved results.

The Philippines’ cement sector remains dominated by large incumbents with nationwide networks, but new domestic capacity in the Visayas helps ease logistics constraints for island markets and can introduce competitive pricing and supply alternatives for contractors and government infrastructure projects. 

Century Peak’s pier facility in Cebu gives it a logistical advantage for barge distribution across the archipelago.