Health, Cash, and Cost: Holcim to Support the Mindanao recovery amid Covid-19

As the COVID-19 health crisis impacts global supply chains, the leading cement manufacturer Holcim Philippines, Inc. revisit their business continuity and disaster recovery planning in response to a pandemic. This is to assist in identifying a need or presenting an opportunity for changes to support the development of Mindanao amid the crisis and by highlighting its strengths in health and safety and commercial innovation as key contributions.

In a virtual media briefing with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) on September 02, Holcim Philippines Senior Vice President and Chief Finance Officer Jena Rojas provided an overview of the company’ Health, Cash, and Cost framework in responding to the challenges of Covid-19. She was joined by MinDA Assistant Secretary Romeo Montenegro as well as representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways Region XI and XII offices.

Holcim Philippines, Inc. is ensuring that that the company is well-positioned to maintain its business model until things return to normal, signaling that its quick and effective response to the challenging situation could sustain the networks and resources to shape the recovery and build back better. The response is focused on three areas: Health, Cash, and Cost.

HEALTH: While the pandemic continues to threaten the health and safety of many Filipinos, Holcim Philippines, Inc. top priority is to take all reasonable steps for the employees safety — ensuring the continuity of operations of essential functions by focusing on the health and wellbeing of everybody.

CASH: As the company is making a great effort to keep their business afloat, Holcim Philippines, Inc is making sure that they preserve their cash so they can support the company needs.

COST: Holcim Philippines, Inc is being mindful about expenses so they can only spend for the most essential aspects of the business while they continue to navigate the uncertainty of COVID-19.

Rojas also introduced the company’s new leaders for its facilities in Misamis Oriental and Davao Plant Managers, Arnold Pepino and Sam Manlosa, who respectively talked about Holcim Philippines’ efforts to be more prudent on costs and make operations safer from Covid-19. Rojas noted that its Mindanao plants are both headed by Mindanawons, the first time in the company's history.

Meanwhile, Holcim Philippines Senior Vice President for Sales William Sumalinog discussed the company’s readiness to support Mindanao's manufacturing industry in becoming a stronger contributor to development during the Mindanao Business Conference on September 10. He was joined in the virtual panel by Senator Imee Marcos, Board of Investments Governor Napoleon Concepcion and Oro Chamber President Robertino Pizarro.

Sumalinog noted that the Department of Trade and Industry had identified poor infrastructures as among those holding back manufacturing in the Philippines in a policy paper on raising the industry's competitiveness.

He added that Holcim is well equipped to support partners build these structures in Mindanao as seen by its recent Davao plant upgrade, roll out of new building solutions such as road infrastructure cement Solido and pavement repair solution SuperFastCrete, and other digital innovations.

"As you can see we are not slowing down especially at this time when the government has deemed it essential to continue upgrading infrastructures in the country. Doing so does not only raise the level of competitiveness of the manufacturing industry, but also shield the economy from the blows of the pandemic. We remain confident that we are well equipped to deliver great value and support to builders working to improve the competitiveness of Mindanao’s manufacturing sector and all our stakeholders in the region who are united in their dreams of a better Mindanao," he said.