According to the Philippine Business World on May 24, data from the Philippine Cement Manufacturers Association (CEMAP) showed that Philippine cement sales reached 6.43 million tons in the first quarter of this year, an increase of 12.8% over the same period last year, due to the growth of demand in the public and private sectors. CEMAP President Aldoniez believes that cement demand will continue to be strong this year as Duterte announces that he will vigorously develop infrastructure. Last year, the sales volume of Philippine cement was 24.36 million tons, up 14.3% year-on-year.