The Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) stressed that it will remain the bastion of the industry against the entry of substandard cement in the country.

CeMAP executive director Renato “Ray” Baja, in a statement, emphasized the importance of strict compliance with national quality standards, particularly for products that play a critical role in structural safety.

“CeMAP strongly advocates for mandatory compliance with Philippine National Standards (PNS). Cement is a critical structural product and must meet PNS requirements to ensure quality and safety. We therefore welcome the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) recent issuance of Memorandum Circular No. 26-02, which requires imported cement to be tested in the Philippines before it can be sold in the local market. This is an important step in protecting consumers and ensuring a level playing field for all industry participants,” Baja said.

The CeMAP official also stressed that their group will continue to back the efforts of the DTI in its firm action against substandard cement products, also reaffirming its commitment to construction safety.

This was after the DTI, through the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS), destroyed approximately 12,500 metric tons of substandard Portland Cement Type 1 valued at around P60 million.

The destruction of the non-compliant cement shipment, which failed to meet the requirements of Philippine National Standard (PNS) 07:2018, demonstrates the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring that only quality-assured construction materials are used in homes, schools, bridges, and critical infrastructure projects across the country, according to Baja, noting the importance of strict compliance with national quality standards, particularly for products that play a critical role in structural safety.

“As an earthquake-prone country, we cannot afford to take risks with substandard construction materials. While sound design, engineering and construction workmanship are vital to structural integrity and safety, the quality of construction materials equally remains an indispensable requirement,” Baja added.

He said CeMAP supports the DTI-BPS in its efforts to prevent the entry and distribution of substandard cement and other construction materials. The association likewise encourages all manufacturers, importers, distributors and stakeholders to comply fully with Philippine standards and regulations to safeguard public safety and maintain confidence in the country’s construction sector.

“The destruction of non-compliant cement by the DTI-BPS sends a strong message that there is no place for substandard products in the Philippine market,” Baja concluded.

The cement products destroyed by the DTI were imported from Vietnam and stored in the importer’s warehouse in Ilocos Norte pending inspection and testing for a Statement of Confirmation (SOC).

Under DTI Department Administrative Order (DAO) 17-06, Series of 2017, an SOC is required before Portland cement may be sold or distributed in the Philippine market.

The DTI-BPS emphasized that safe buildings must begin with safe construction materials, stressing that by removing substandard cement from the supply chain, the agency aims to protect Filipino families, workers and communities while safeguarding both public and private infrastructure investments.

Under existing technical regulations, manufacturers and importers whose products fail mandatory standards must either re-export the items or have them destroyed under DTI-BPS supervision.

Furthermore, non-compliant companies face the immediate suspension of their Philippine Standard (PS) License. Affected firms can only resume distribution or renew their license after the BPS verifies compliance through a thorough product reassessment.

The strict measure reinforces the DTI-BPS’s commitment to consumer protection by keeping unsafe goods off store shelves.

Ultimately, destroying rejected shipments deters the future entry of substandard items, upholds market integrity, and shields compliant local businesses from unfair competition, the DTI said.