69ÌÃ

COE’s CeRE Students explore full cement production at Republic Cement Batangas

Mar 31 2026

To trace the journey of cement production from the extraction of raw materials in the quarry to the highly controlled processes inside the plant, the fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Ceramic Engineering students from the College of Engineering (COE) of the Mindanao State University–Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) stepped beyond the classroom and drove into the heart of one of the country’s major cement manufacturing facilities during an educational plant tour at the Republic Cement Batangas Plant on February 16, 2026. 

Upon arrival, the students were warmly welcomed by Mrs. Maria Lolita Baguio, the company’s Human Resources representative, who coordinated the tour and introduced the group to the day’s activities. The program began with a short orientation and a safety briefing, where students learned about the plant’s operations, workplace policies, and strict safety standards.

One of the highlights of the visit was the tour of the limestone quarry, where the students first witnessed how raw materials essential to cement production are extracted. Engineers explained how the company manages dust emissions, addresses environmental challenges, and implements mine reclamation practices to restore mined areas. Beginning the tour at the source of the raw materials allowed students to understand the full lifecycle of cement production before seeing how these materials are processed inside the plant.

The students then explored the cement production facility, observing several stages of the manufacturing process. They visited the Operation Room, where plant operations are monitored and controlled through an advanced centralized system operated by only two computers. Industry professionals demonstrated how technology, precision, and teamwork ensure the continuous and efficient production of cement.

For many students, the visit reinforced their interest in careers related to materials engineering and cement manufacturing. They actively engaged with plant engineers, asking questions about operational challenges such as raw material supply, plant efficiency, and real-time decision-making in production environments. These gave them a deeper appreciation for the discipline, safety culture, and technical expertise required in the industry.

The collaboration between MSU-IIT and Republic Cement continues to highlight the value of experiential learning, connecting academic knowledge with practical industry experience and preparing future engineers to contribute meaningfully to the country’s materials and construction sectors. Dr. Raymond V. Rivera-Virtudazo and Engr Harvey D. Melendrez from the Department of Materials and Resources Engineering and Technology accompanied the group throughout the visit and helped connect their observations to concepts studied in the classroom.

Topics :