MANILA, Philippines - Leading cement company Holcim Philippines, Inc. garnered eight major awards during the 56th Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference held in Baguio City recently, including the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) – the country’s highest recognition for best practices in mining, safety and community relations.
The PMIEA was given to Holcim Philippines’ Lugait Plant in Misamis Oriental for its outstanding social, environmental, safety and reforestation programs.
This is the second year in a row that a Holcim facility has won the top award. Last year, the company’s Bulacan plant received this same award, affirming the company’s strong commitment to protect and enhance the environment and contribute to the wellbeing of its communities.
“We’re glad that the Philippine government recognizes our efforts to harmonize business, social responsibility and environment protection as an integral part of the way we operate,” remarked Lorenzo Pendang, Holcim-Lugait plant manager. “This encourages us to push further with meaningful community and environment initiatives.”
Another major recognition – the Platinum Achievement Award – was presented to Holcim’s Davao and Bulacan Plants for their continuous exemplary mining practices.
Apart from the top award, Holcim-Lugait plant also received the Best Nursery and Best Mining Forest awards. Lugait Plant is the very first winner of the Best Nursery award given only this year. Meanwhile, Lugait Plant has been bagging the Best Mining Forest award for five years in a row.
Holcim-La Union plant was recognized for its zero lost time accident record.
Holcim-La Union and Holcim-Bulacan Plants received the Emergency Response and Disaster Award for their exemplary relief and rehabilitation work following the onslaught of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. Earlier, the La Union local government passed a resolution commending Holcim Philippines for its significant contributions by way of relief and clearing operations.
Holcim Philippines chief operating officer Ian Thackwray said, “We place environmental management high on our priorities as a company, and are determined to take every opportunity to work with our employees and communities in protecting and enhancing our natural resources.”
During the run-up to the awards ceremony, the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association held an exhibit to showcase best practices. The Holcim booth stood out in the exhibit for its creative use of song, art and poetry to advocate sound environment practices. Guests and their children were invited to read a poem or draw a “green dream” and share their commitment to a healthier and safer environment.