Mindanao leaders welcome duty on cement imports

ILIGAN CITY – Community leaders in Mindanao headed by Iligan City Mayor Franklin Quijano announced yesterday their support for Trade and Industry Secretary Mar Roxas’ decision to impose definitive safeguard measures on unfairly traded cement imports. Several cement plants in Mindanao faced the risk of permanent shutdown as a result of imports from foreign flooding and dumping the large island prior to DTI’s intervention.

"On behalf of my constituents, I would like to thank Secretary Roxas ffor taking decisive action that will promote the economies of Iligan City and communities across Northern Mindanao," said Quijano. "Mindanao’s development and growth depends on its long-term ability to produce and manufacture goods for local and export markets since the manufacturing sector is the key driver to most other economics activity in that area of the Philippines."

"Had manufacturers from other countries been allowed to continue unfairly flooding the Mindanao and Philippine markets due to their plants’ excess capacity, this would have caused the shutdown of various cement plants across Mindanao and the lay-off of several thousands of workers and endanger the welfare of those dependent on cement operations for their livelihood and their families," said Quijano.

Quijano also emphasized that the DTI decision to provide tariff relief will ease much of the tension the communities he represents have felt over the last three years. "We can all breathe easier now that a final decision on safeguards has been made and people can finally go back to their normal lives without worrying if they may be out of work in six months," said Quijano. "Mindanao is still the most underutilized region in the Philippines, despite the fact it is rich with natural resources and skilled labor, and there is much opportunity for growth and employment with proper support from the relevant government bodies."

"We welcome Roxas’ latest decision as a step in a right direction," he said.