Holcim gets marine conservation award, participates in coast clean-up

Employees of Holcim Philippines’ plant in Lugait, Misamis Oriental were among those who joined colleagues nationwide in cleaning local bodies of water in support of International Coastal Clean-up Day on Sept. 21

Leading cement maker Holcim Philippines, Inc. received an award for its contribution to marine life conservation and participated in the 2019 International Coast Clean-up highlighting its commitment to support communities in environmental sustainability.

Last September 20, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 1 awarded Holcim Philippines’ Bacnotan, La Union plant for helping protect the town’s marine life during the 56th anniversary of the Fish Conservation Week.

Along with the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Monitoring Council, Holcim Bacnotan was recognized for the “Pride of Place” education program, which encourages communities along the coast to participate in taking care of the sea through proper waste management. 

In its two-year run, the program has covered more than 1,000 residents in four major coastal barangays. Recognizing that education does not happen quickly, the program will continue to run for five years.

Holcim Bacnotan plant also provides the community’s Bantay Dagat team used tonner bags which when cleaned, help in storing fishing nets, covering their boats to protect against rain.

“We are grateful for the recognition we received from BFAR Region 1. We consider this project as an inspiration for all us in Holcim as we continue collaborating with coastal communities and local governments to help in advocating sustainability to protect our marine life, as well as the environment as a whole,” said Holcim Bacnotan Plant Manager Erano Santos.

The company’s employees nationwide also joined volunteers from its communities and business partners in cleaning local bodies of water near its site to support the 2019 International Coastal Clean-up Day held last September 21. Holcim employees and other volunteers collected close to 10 tons of wastes from coastal area led by the Davao team, which gathered close to six tons of wastes in five barangays.

Holcim Philippines has been implementing projects that help communities protect the seas and the environment as part of its corporate citizenship program Holcim Helps, which aims to support its communities prosper in a sustainable manner.