Holcim heeds EMB, closes cement plant

MABINI, Batangas — The cement manufacturing company in this town that was ordered by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) to cease operation has complied with the order.

The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in Calabarzon, Officer-in-Charge, Noemi Paranada, had ordered the closure of Mabini Grinding Mill Corporation (Holcim Philippines Inc.) in Barangay Pulong Balibaguhan, saying it failed to abide by its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).

Paranada’s order was served by EMB representatives to the company’s plant manager, Alex Garcia, on Wednesday.

Paranada’s order stated that the company’s existing EED only covers the establishment of a bulk terminal facility for storage with a port facility project.

Holcim Phils. Communication Manager, Don Gil Carreon in a statement said the company is temporarily closing its plant in compliance with EMB’s order.

“Our company is submitting itself to the legal process on this matter. We will also continue to cooperate with authorities and work with all stakeholders towards a positive and fast resolution of this issue,” the statement read.

“However, we stand by our position that our Mabini plant should be allowed to operate. It adheres to relevant local and national laws and operates consistently with our values of health, safety, integrity and sustainability,” the statement added.

Holcim Philippines is one of the leading building materials companies in the country, and is a member of the Lafarge Holcim Group, the world leader in the building materials industry.