By James A. Loyola
Leading cement manufacturer Holcim Philippines, Inc. has resumed manufacturing and logistics operations in all its sites nationwide after implementing stronger health and safety controls to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the firm said it has started to reopen its plants and terminals in La Union, Bulacan, Manila, Batangas and Davao following the easing by national and local governments of quarantines that started in the second half of March.
Holcim’s plant in Lugait, Misamis Oriental sustained operations to support customers and construction activity in North Mindanao during this period.
Holcim Philippines President and CEO John Stull said the company has completed health and safety controls against COVID-19 to protect its people and partners at its sites in line with government guidelines and best practices of global building materials leader LafargeHolcim Group.
Stull said the company continues to closely monitor COVID-19 developments and will comply with health authorities’ guidance on the matter.
“We are ready to continue supporting our partners nationwide as they build important structures and contribute to reinvigorating the economy,” he said.
He added that, Holcim Philippines is determined to ensure the well-being of our people, communities and business partners in our operations consistent with our core value of health and safety. Our company is also ready to share our expertise on this area to government and private sector partners to further contribute to the recovery efforts.”
Stull said the company’s facilities are in good condition and ready to ramp up operations to provide reliable supply as building and economic activity recovers.
He noted that the company is also well equipped with digital tools to ensure that support teams can still perform well while working from home, and provide customers reliable and efficient commercial transactions.
During the COVID-19 quarantines, Holcim Philippines installed new health facilities and rolled out safety protocols focused on social distancing, proper sanitation and hygiene and health monitoring at its sites. The company also extended assistance to host communities affected by the health crisis.