Building the Future by Building Education: CEMEX and GMA Kapuso Foundation build new, typhoon-resilient schools

One of the key advocacies of CEMEX Philippines Foundation, Inc’s (CPFI) is Building Education. Through this pillar, CPFI supports the educational needs of young schoolchildren from various parts of the country.

Last year, parts of Visayas and northern Mindanao were heavily affected by super typhoon Odette, destroying homes and infrastructure in its path, including public school facilities.

With a shared vision of fostering integral education by providing students from public schools with decent and functional classrooms, as well as water distribution and sanitation facilities, CPFI partnered with GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF). CPFI is the corporate social responsibility arm of CEMEX Holdings Philippines, Inc.

“Our mission of building a better future for the next generation includes the creation and development of opportunities for young students by providing them with a conducive learning space,” says Luis Franco, President and CEO of CEMEX Holdings Philippines.

A total of 3,850 cement bags were donated by CEMEX Philippines Foundation that went to the construction of a total of 11 classrooms in three public elementary schools, namely Magallanes Elementary School in Limasawa Island and New Malangza Elementary School in Liloan, both located in Southern Leyte, and Baybay Elementary School in Burgos, Siargao, Surigao del Norte.

“Our advocacy on Building Education is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal on Quality Education which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all,” Franco added.

The newly built classrooms are designed to be typhoon-resistant and earthquake-proof, withstanding winds of up to 300 kilometers per hour and earthquakes of up to intensity 8. It features reinforced concrete walls, steel doors and window jambs, fiber-cement board ceiling and an integrated floor slab and foundation.

The new classrooms are also PWD-friendly through the installation of PWD ramps and dedicated toilet per classroom.

CEMEX Philippines Foundation Executive Director Erlinda Lizardo and Kristina Gallardo, Communication, Social Impact and Foundation Officer graced the groundbreaking and the subsequent inauguration ceremonies.

CPFI advances advocacies that are dedicated to building a sustainable, better future by proactively launching various programs in the fields of education, livelihood, environment, health, and partnerships – all dedicated to empowering communities and uplifting the lives surrounding it.