Holcim reiterates readiness to support Mindanao recovery amid Covid-19

 

Leading cement manufacturer Holcim Philippines, Inc. recently shared the company’s commitment to support the development of Mindanao amid the Covid-19 pandemic highlighting its strengths in health and safety and commercial innovation as key contributions to recovery.

In a virtual media briefing with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) on September 02, Holcim Philippines Senior Vice President and Chief Finance Officer Jena Rojas provided an overview of the company’ Health, Cash, and Cost framework in responding to the challenges of Covid-19. She was joined by MinDA Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro as well as representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways Region XI and XII offices.

"Our company responded quickly and effectively to the challenging situation and we remain confident in bouncing back and sustaining our commitment to support our partners. Our response is focused on three areas: Health, Cash and Cost. The first priority is keeping our people healthy and safe, second is making sure that we preserve our cash so we can support our company needs and third is being mindful about costs so we only spend for the most essential aspects of the business," she said.

Rojas also introduced the company’s new leaders for its facilities in Misamis Oriental and Davao Plant Managers, Arnold Pepino and Sam Manlosa, who respectively talked about Holcim Philippines’ efforts to be more prudent on costs and make operations safer from Covid-19. Rojas noted noted that its Mindanao plants are both headed by Mindanawons, the first time in the company's history.

Meanwhile, Holcim Philippines Senior Vice President for Sales William Sumalinog discussed the company’s readiness to support Mindanao's manufacturing industry in becoming a stronger contributor to development during the Mindanao Business Conference on September 10. He was joined in the virtual panel by Senator Imee Marcos, Board of Investments Governor Napoleon Concepcion and Oro Chamber President Robertino Pizarro.

Sumalinog noted that the Department of Trade and Industry had identified poor infrastructures as among those holding back manufacturing in the Philippines in a policy paper on raising the industry's competitiveness.

He added that Holcim is well equipped to support partners build these structures in Mindanao as seen by its recent Davao plant upgrade, roll out of new building solutions such as road infrastructure cement Solido and pavement repair solution SuperFastCrete, and other digital innovations.

"As you can see we are not slowing down especially at this time when the government has deemed it essential to continue upgrading infrastructures in the country. Doing so does not only raise the level of competitiveness of the manufacturing industry, but also shield the economy from the blows of the pandemic. We remain confident that we are well equipped to deliver great value and support to builders working to improve the competitiveness of Mindanao’s manufacturing sector and all our stakeholders in the region who are united in their dreams of a better Mindanao," he said.