Holcim takes multi-sectoral campaign for sustainable construction to Davao
After holding its successful Holcim Coffeetalks on sustainable construction in Cagayan de Oro and La Union, cement manufacturer Holcim Philippines, inc. is set to gather representatives from Davao’s government, civil society and business sectors to participate in its third run on Aug. 3 (9am) at the Marco Polo Hotel.
Holcim Coffeetalks on sustainable construction is a multi-sectorial forum that seeks to go beyond discussion of issues, and aims to mobilize participants to translate their ideas into a firm commitment for specific projects that will provide sustained benefits to the local community.
Mike Guerrero, president of the Green Architecture Advocacy of the Philippines (GAAP) , will serve as keynote speaker and discuss how barangays can be more sustainable. His presentation is anchored on the five pillars of sustainable construction as defined by the global Holcim Group.
Holcim defines sustainable construction in a holistic way, integrating aspects such as responsible use of natural resources, ethical standards, economic feasibility, aesthetic design and innovation.
Among those who have been invited as reactors in the Davao forum are Tagum City Mayor Ray Uy, Subdivision and Housing Development Assoc.-Davao President Sol Lagmay, Philippine Constructors Assoc. President Mon Allado, Kinaiyahan Foundation President Betty Cabazaren, Davao Chamber of Commerce President Roberto Puentespina, and Davao Community Environment and Natural Resources Office head, Atty. Joseph Felizarta.
Holcim Philippines Chief Operating Officer Roland van Wijnen and Davao Plant Manager Joe Bernal will also be on hand to share their views on sustainable construction, as well as to launch the Sustainable Barangay Manual, a project done in partnership with the (GAAP.) The manual will serve as a guideline for local government and private sector towards building communities in a way that is socially, economically, functionally and aesthetically balanced.
Beng Prado, Holcim Philippines Vice President for Communications, said Holcim Coffeetalks hopes to bring about positive change in the communities where it operates by getting decision makers from the various sectors to put their ideas to work.
Already, participants in the Coffeetalks held in Cagayan de Oro and La union last year are working together on specific sustainable construction projects. In Cagayan de Oro, a team is developing a template for flood- and typhoon-resistant houses built according to the company’s advocated sustainable construction principles. In La Union, a technical working group has started work on a bamboo village that will integrate livelihood into the sustainability model.
Said Prado: “the Holcim Coffeetalks acknowldedges the wealth of ideas coming from our communities, and our hope is that our partners here in Davaowill be able to collaborate with us towards building communities that truly serve the residents' need while making good use of our resources."
Holcim Philippines will next take the Coffeetalks to Bulacan, where it will also present the ideas to its partners for a possible sustainable construction project there.
