THE Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (Cemap) on Friday said it supports the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) order to destroy 12,500 metric tons of substandard Portland Cement Type 1 worth P60 million seized in Ilocos Norte.
The DTI, through the Bureau of Philippine Standards, ordered the destruction of the shipment after laboratory testing found it failed to meet Philippine National Standard 07:2018 for Portland cement — specifically on loss on ignition, insoluble residue and 28-day compressive strength.
The cement, imported from Vietnam, consisted of 3,700 metric tons in 40-kilogram bags and 8,800 metric tons in jumbo bags, stored in an Ilocos Norte warehouse pending inspection for a statement of confirmation — required under DTI rules before Portland cement may be sold locally.
“As an earthquake-prone country, we cannot afford to take risks with substandard construction materials. The quality of construction materials remains an indispensable requirement,” Cemap executive director Renato Baja said.
Cemap also welcomed DTI Memorandum Circular 26-02, which requires imported cement to be tested in the Philippines before local sale. “This is an important step in protecting consumers and ensuring a level playing field for all industry participants,” Baja added.
“The destruction of noncompliant cement sends a strong message that there is no place for substandard products in the Philippine market,” he said.
