Construction activities in the country were halted when enhanced community quarantine protocols were put into place earlier this year, affecting large scale operations and businesses. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine government announced a robust pipeline of infrastructure projects for 2020 under the Build, Build, Build program. The program included building various infrastructures to aid economic growth: airports, roads, bridges, highways, ports, and others. Even these had to be put on hold.
But with the easing of restrictions, and with public and private construction projects being allowed under general community quarantine to reopen the economy, many infrastructure works have resumed. The reactivation of these projects plays an important role in the economic recovery of the Philippines.
Safety First
Cement manufacturer CEMEX Holdings Philippines carefully studied the new and complex requirements that the pandemic has presented, and the company armed itself well enough.
As a global organization, CEMEX puts health and safety as top priority. The company proactively adapts strict health and safety protocols even prior to the pandemic. As operations transitions into the ‘new normal’, more than 50 safety protocols in line with the World Health Organization standards, were added to further strengthen these initiatives.
“Our number one priority is the health and safety of our employees, clients, suppliers and communities. It has been for many years,” said CEMEX Philippines President & CEO Ignacio Mijares. With the current pandemic, health and safety have not just been priorities, but have become the driving force for continuity. “We know that before anything else, we must care for our employees, our clients and our communities. Our employees understand that our clients’ wins are their wins, too, so with their help, we can continue being able to contribute to the success of the clients we serve. It is then a must that we keep them safe and healthy at all times,” he added.
CEMEX, in addition to government guidelines, added vital measures to its already existing stringent protocols to help mitigate the spread of the virus. In these past months, the company made proactive steps in reinforcing workplace safety, minimizing human-to-human contact, supplementing personal equipment for employees, creating thorough sanitary stations, and executing more frequent disinfection of its sites, facilities and vehicles.
The company also implemented its Behaviors that Save Lives campaign which includes regular temperature readings, frequent washing of hands, wearing of face masks and PPEs, two-meter physical distancing, proper respiratory hygiene, among others. CEMEX actively enjoins the entire workforce to adhere to these for the protection and well-being of the company and the people it serves.
Leveraging Digitization
Even while securing its internal workforce, CEMEX’s service of the construction industry never wavers. With the new normal becoming a large factor in today’s business operations, and with digitization leading the fore, CEMEX’s digital arm CEMEX Go has proven to be an asset.
Since its launch in the Philippines in October 2018, CEMEX Go has enabled easy, hassle-free, and contactless ordering, billing, and real-time tracking. During these extraordinary times, CEMEX Go continues to support the industry by enabling digital construction solutions to allow low-touch ordering, billing, and tracking of essential construction supplies to help the continuation of building projects.
By enabling these orders and providing for its partners and clients, CEMEX makes good with its commitment to provide sustainable infrastructure for a better Philippines. The company’s continued production and operations of quality concrete have also enabled the resumption of livelihood for Filipinos who need it the most during these times.
Country above all
CEMEX stays positive and keeps its eye on meeting its goals. With a protected and empowered workforce, a robust digital asset, and an optimistic outlook, the cement company continues to show its resilient commitment to build for a better Philippines.
Although CEMEX Philippines’ CEO Ignacio Mijares stated that the end of the pandemic is still uncertain, the company’s dedication to build the economy during the new normal remains strong. “We are committed to the future of the Philippines and we will be sure to continue to provide the highest quality cement to build this country,” he stated.
CEMEX has a rich history of improving the welfare of those it serves through innovative building solutions, efficiency advancements, and efforts to promote a sustainable future in more than 50 countries worldwide. In the Philippines, CEMEX subsidiaries Apo Cement Corporation in Cebu and Solid Cement Corporation in Rizal produce and market a broad product mix of building solutions. These cement manufacturing plants carry the well-established cement brands Apo and Rizal. More information is available at www.cemexholdingsphilippines.com.
