CEMEX highlights value of engineers in nation-building
In nation-building, advancements in engineering play a crucial role in the development of modernized infrastructures that are needed by people to live, work, and pursue growth more efficiently and sustainably.
With this goal in mind, global materials company CEMEX Holdings Philippines supported the National Civil Engineering Summit (NCES) 2018 which is the biggest gathering of civil engineering students in the country.
More than 5,000 engineers gathered in the weeklong event themed, “At the Forefront: Highlighting the Role of Civil Engineering as a Catalyst in Nation-Building” which was recently held at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City.
This year, the summit is geared towards shaping a community of engineers that are informed of the latest breakthroughs and equipped with the skills and ethics that they need to build for the nation.
Kyle Rosario, strategic planning officer at CEMEX Philippines, was one of the speakers in the NCES wherein he emphasized the importance of engineering innovations particularly at this time of infrastructure-driven development that the government has been ushering through the “Build, Build, Build” program.
“Building a better future should always be what is strived for. Young engineers are especially in a good position to plan and envision how future infrastructures and cities should function and look like, as the future movers and shakers of the country. There are numerous possibilities and we recognize potential to make these a reality,” said Rosario in an interview.
Supporting the NCES is an initiative on the part of CEMEX to reach out to young Filipino talent. “Filipino engineers are world-class just as how we have proven it within the CEMEX organization,” added Rosario.
CEMEX acknowledges the capacity of the youth to push the limits of sustainability and eco-efficiency through innovation which is why the cement manufacturer welcomes young talent and hones their leadership capabilities. This year, the company has sent young Filipino engineers in the Global Entry Level Operations (ELO) program which would require them to undergo a year-long training at the CEMEX Monterrey headquarters in Mexico, according to Rosario.
“Engineering is also one of the intertwined disciplines under the STEM or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics curriculum which are vital in solving real-life problems through viable solutions and applications. Engineers are always faced with the challenge of exploring concepts that are doable and relevant given an evolving socio-economic landscape, and using the materials and resources available,” said Rosario.
CEMEX contributes in nation-building through leadership and capacity-building for young engineers, social development programs, and by providing cement solutions, ready-mix concrete and aggregate, as well as a range of other construction products and services. The company is founded in Mexico and has over 110 years of history with presence in more than 50 countries around the world including operations and trade relations in the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia.
In the Philippines, CEMEX had acquired cement facilities and brands in the late 90s that both stem from a distinctly Filipino heritage. These are Solid Cement Corporation located in Antipolo, Rizal, and Apo Cement Corporation in the City of Naga, Cebu. Both carry the well-established brands APO and Rizal which produce and market a broad product mix of building solutions.