The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is reinforcing its call for safer, more durable construction materials, citing the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters.
DTI Secretary Cristina Roque reiterated the need for higher standards during a visit to Republic Cement’s plant in Teresa, Rizal.
“Given our country’s vulnerability to natural disasters, we must ensure that all construction materials, including cement, meet the highest quality and safety standards,” Roque said.
“This ensures the safety of Filipinos, starting from the foundational materials of our homes and buildings,” she said.
The DTI’s push for stricter standards includes updating its regulatory framework under Department Administrative Order (DAO) 17-06:2017, which mandates the certification of Portland and blended hydraulic cement.
Republic Cement expressed its full support for the initiative, stating that stricter standards will help boost public confidence in local infrastructure.
The DTI’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) recently held public consultations on a draft memorandum circular that proposes revisions to cement standards, including alkali content, testing methods and requiring post-shipment inspections and full product testing.
As of September 2025, the BPS has accredited 179 active cement manufacturer licensees that comply with Philippine National Standards. This includes 95 for Portland cement, 81 for blended hydraulic cement and three for masonry cement.
The bureau said it remains committed to refining regulations that safeguard consumer welfare and ensure the reliability of infrastructure materials.
