Philippine cement sales increased by 5.9 per cent YoY on the back of increased infrastructure activity, the Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) has said.

Local cement producers saw sales grow to 19.4Mt from 18.4Mt the year before, according to Ernesto M. Ordoñez, president of CeMAP. In the fourth quarter alone, cement sales advanced by 2.1 per cent to 4.5Mt from 4.4Mt a year earlier.

Mr Ordoñez attributed the increase to “continued confidence in government and large increase in DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] budget and strong infrastructure and housing plan.”

He expects 2014 to be a “better year” for the industry as reconstruction efforts following Typhoon Haiyan begin.