Holcim, partners inaugurate new Davao plant facilities

Leading cement maker Holcim Philippines, Inc. celebrated with its most valued stakeholders the company’s improved ability to support the progress of Davao City, Mindanao and the rest of the nation during the inauguration ceremony of new facilities there on August 16.

Holcim completed the expansion program of its Davao plant in June to raise its annual production capacity by 700,000 metric tons to 2.4 million metric tons. The company installed a new pipe for loading cement to the silos from the pier, eco-hoppers to improve dust emissions and an overhead crane.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Consumer Protection Ruth Castelo acknowledged the importance of Holcim’s sustained expansion and called on the company to continue following government standards that protect customers.

“We recognize that this effort greatly contributes to the ongoing implementation of the ‘Build, Build, Build’ Program of the government. Moreover, industry-led development initiatives such as this are good indicators that the Philippine economy is robust and booming. But while the DTI supports the growth of industries and the economy, it also plays a vital role in protecting the rights and welfare of the consumers. For this reason, the DTI adopts and promulgates safety and quality standards for products and services to protect the public against unreasonable risks of injury and product-related deaths. We trust that Holcim Philippines, as one of the leaders in the cement industry, holds in high regard the quality and safety of your products not just for the growth of your company, but for the protection of your customers—the consuming public,” she said.

In a message delivered by Councilor Louie John Bonguyan, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio congratulated Holcim’s expansion and its commitment to excellence.

“May this expansion invigorate your team to continue maintaining a sustainable business environment for your customers and stakeholders, without sacrificing quality and the environment and contributing to the socio-economic development of the country as we all continue to ‘Build, Build, Build’ the Philippines,” she added.

Officials of Holcim Philippines thanked its partners for their continuing support and trust that have allowed the company to thrive in its decades-long stay in Mindanao, where it operates two of the three cement plants there including the only one in Davao.

“This milestone is not ours alone. It is a success that everyone in Davao is a part of. Davao is a home of Holcim Philippines. Our products are made with materials from Davao by the people of Davao. The bags of cement that come out of this facility are as native to Davao as durian. So when you see the progress of South Mindanao in the coming years, bear in mind that these was made possible not just by Holcim Philippines but by Davao as well,” Holcim Philippines Chairman Tomas Alcantara said.

“Our company has long promised to be a partner for progress, that we will do our part to advance the development of this country and uplift our partners. Our expansion is a clear demonstration of this commitment. When the Davao plant opened in 1968, it only had an annual capacity of less than 200,000 tons. Now it is capable of producing more than 10 times that, reflecting our company’s resolve to support the sustained growth and development of this region,” Holcim Philippines President and CEO John Stull added.