CSR programs of firm assist 200,000

CEMENT maker Holcim Philippines, Inc. directly helped over 200,000 people in 2019 through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs designed to support the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations (UN).

The company’s CSR initiatives under Holcim Helps benefitted 229,170 individuals last year. With this, the company has helped more than 800,000 people since 2015, surpassing its commitment to the LafargeHolcim Group of assisting 400,000 people by 2020.

The biggest share of the funds were directed to initiatives for infrastructure and shelter (31%) followed by livelihood and inclusive business (20%), environment (17%), education (13%), and health (8%).

In January, Holcim’s Davao plant was recognized by the Region XI office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for supporting the agency’s programs to uplift indigent people. In 2019, Holcim Davao partnered

with DSWD and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for trainings on plumbing, welding, forklift operations, masonry, and carpentry that benefited over a 100 people in the community.

Other Holcim Helps highlights in 2019 were its support to the development of a sustainable tourism master plan for the municipality of Bacnotan, La Union, the masonry training for people displaced by the conflict in Marawi in partnership with the UN Human Settlements

Programme and TESDA and the inaugural Young Builders Challenge, a sustainable construction contest for aspiring architects and engineers. Holcim employees also participated actively in volunteer programs throughout the year.