The Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines has joined forces with the Federation of Philippine Industries to support the Department of Trade and Industry's Build Lokal Campaign.
An offshoot of the Buy Local push, Build Lokal promotes prioritizing Filipino-manufactured building materials, including cement and steel.
In late 2020, both CeMAP and FPI actively campaigned for prioritizing locally manufactured building materials to support the nation’s economic recovery and to protect the industry against unfair practices of importers.
Amid the global pandemic, prioritizing locally manufactured building materials will not only boost the economy but also help create and maintain jobs, CeMAP said.
“CeMAP fully supports the DTI's commitment to help rebuild the nation through building with locally manufactured cement,” said CeMAP executive director Cirilo Pestano.
“The DTI’s Build Lokal campaign unites the industry under one clear and strong message that industry has an important role to play in ensuring the country bounces back from hard times stronger and better than ever,” he added.
In addition to the Build Lokal campaign, the national government is also making good on its word to do what it can to support local industries on the road to recovery.
In the 2021 national budget, government agencies are now mandated to prioritize local building materials for infrastructure projects and all other activities.
With this significant show of support, the government leads by example and has shown decisive action when it comes to buying and building local.
“The Philippine building materials industry is grateful for the government’s deep commitment to helping our industries rise from our current struggles,” said FPI Chairman Jesus Arranza.
“We look forward to the GAA’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) so that we may be better equipped to fully support the Philippine government’s infrastructure requirements,” he added.