CEMEX subsidiary bags three awards for responsible operations
Apo Cement Corporation, a subsidiary of CEMEX Philippines, was again the recipient of Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) awards this year for having the safest mineral processing operation and for its environmental conservation program.
PMSEA, the country's forerunner in the promotion of occupational health and safety, sound environmental management, and social responsibility in the mining industry, handed Apo Cement Corporation the 2016 Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (Platinum Achievement Award) in the mineral processing category, Best Mining Forest Award in the mineral processing plant category, and Safest Mineral Processing Award in the cement plant category during the 63rd Annual National Mine Safety and Environment Conference (ANMSEC) at Camp John Hay in Baguio City.
These awards reinforce the company’s dedication and commitment to championing responsible natural resource management in Cebu.
“Responsible operations is our top priority at CEMEX. We believe that by living out sustainability in everything we do, we are responsibly addressing the needs of the present time and at the same time securing the needs and ensuring the future of the next generation,” said Ernesto Felix, CEMEX vice president for operations and technology.
Apo Cement won the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award for garnering the highest scores in four criteria namely Environmental Management; Safety and Health Management; Social Development and Management; and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) programs.
Helping Apo Cement win the award are its accomplishments in environmental protection and enhancement particularly the 96 percent survival rate of its mangrove plantation under the Grow-a-Tree Project, which is also the highlight of the Best Mining Forest Award.
Apo Cement placed second runner-up in the Best Mining Forest Award after its conservation program got the best scores in six criteria namely Development Plan, Nursery Operation, Total Planted Areas, Survival Rate, Tree Endemicity, and IEC on Reforestation. Last year, the company got a perfect score in the biodiversity criteria after award evaluators observed the presence of birds, insects, snakes, and other relevant species in the tree plantation areas.
Apo Cement, which produces the well-known cement brand APO, also won the Safest Mineral Processing Award for garnering Highest Manhours without Lost Time Incident.
“The awards would not have been realized without the full support of our people to the company's Environment, Health, and Safety initiatives. Our commitment to being a responsible organization and a leader in operational excellence drives us to achieve more,” said Gery Rota, Apo Cement Corporation plant director.
The PMSEA, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Environmental Management Bureau, Office of the Department and Natural Resources Secretary, and the Department of Science and Technology evaluate the nominees and give the score.
Apo Cement Corporation and Solid Cement Corporation, another CEMEX Philippines subsidiary, produce and market cement and other building materials in the country.
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