The Philippine cement industry is moving toward a lower-carbon future with the launch of a national decarbonization roadmap aimed at reducing emissions while ensuring the sector can continue supporting the country’s infrastructure expansion and economic growth.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with the Government of Canada, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP), unveiled the Philippine Cement and Concrete Industry Decarbonization Roadmap, a long-term strategy designed to guide the industry’s transition toward cleaner production.

The roadmap identifies key measures to cut carbon emissions, including increasing the production of low-carbon cement, expanding the use of alternative and renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, developing new supplementary cementitious materials, and eventually adopting carbon capture technologies.

Coordinated direction

CeMAP president John Reinier Dizon said the roadmap provides the industry with a coordinated direction to reduce emissions while maintaining its role in national development.

“Developing and implementing a Cement and Concrete Decarbonization Roadmap is important because it provides a clear, coordinated strategy for one of the world's most carbon-intensive industries to reduce emissions while continuing to support economic growth and infrastructure development,” Dizon said.

He added that the initiative goes beyond environmental goals and serves as a broader industrial strategy that balances sustainability with economic progress.

“A Cement and Concrete Decarbonization Roadmap is more than an environmental document — it is an industrial development strategy. It ensures that as our nation continues to build homes, schools, hospitals, roads, and other vital infrastructure, we do so with lower carbon emissions, greater efficiency, enhanced competitiveness, and stronger resilience,” Dizon said.

Funding support from Canadian government

The roadmap was developed with funding support from the Government of Canada through Environment and Climate Change Canada, reflecting cooperation between the two countries in advancing sustainable industrial development, climate action and innovation.

Industry stakeholders, government officials, development partners, construction representatives, and members of the academe attended the launch held in Makati City.

The Philippines’ roadmap places the country among a growing number of Southeast Asian economies working to decarbonize cement production, one of the world’s largest sources of industrial carbon emissions.

ASEAN leader in cement decarbonization

Thailand is currently recognized as the ASEAN leader in cement decarbonization after introducing its own national roadmap earlier and promoting regional cooperation through industry groups.

The Philippine initiative is notable for being among the region’s newest comprehensive roadmaps and one of the first in ASEAN to receive joint endorsement from both government and industry stakeholders.

The DTI said the strategy will help ensure that future infrastructure development — from housing and public facilities to roads and other major projects — can proceed while reducing the environmental impact of construction materials.