Strengthening community development with ‘Kapitbahayan’

Building solutions company Cemex Philippines strengthens its positive impact in the communities it operates in with its Cemex Kapitbahayan Community Day recently held in Barangay San Jose, Antipolo City.

Inspired by the Filipino word “kapitbahay” meaning “neighbor,” the program illustrates the company’s commitment to being a productive partner in nation-building starting at the grassroots level, according to Cemex Philippines Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Director Chito Maniago.

Representatives from more than 70 sitios under Barangay San Jose, led by its captain Felicito “Ito” Garcia, came together for an educational community day organized by the company in its Solid Cement Plant.

The cement manufacturing facility is located in San Jose, which is touted as the largest barangay in Antipolo by land area, covering close to 14,000 hectares.

Solid Cement Plant Director Normandy Chan led a community engagement session explaining the ongoing Solid Plant Expansion Project previously announced in 2015, which includes the construction of a new 1.5-million metric ton integrated cement production line.

“Our expansion project is in line with our goal to meet the increasing demand for cement that is reflected in the growth of both public and private infrastructure sectors, and to contribute to the attractive investment environment in the country especially in the cement manufacturing industry,” explained Chan.

At the same time, “local growth will be achieved by tax generation, and creating more jobs to help raise the standard of income and living conditions of families in the communities we operate in,” he added.

The attendees received free personal first-aid kits and materials with informative and educational graphics on food nutrition as well as preparedness tips during natural calamities such as earthquakes.