Building solutions provider Holcim Philippines, Inc. supported a project by non-profit organization Habitat for Humanity Philippines, Inc. funded by the Embassy of Brunei Darussalam to build a tribal village in Marilog District, Davao City for 47 Matigsalug-Manobo families who lost homes to typhoon Pablo.
Holcim Davao donated 142 tons of cement in March 2017 for the production of a concrete pathway and other masonry needs for the communal facilities of the village Barangay Baganihan. The tribal village is a collaborative effort of National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, BLGU-Baganihan, Matigsalug-Manobo Tribal People Council of Elders, Inc. and supported by the City Government of Davao. The project is set to be completed and turned over to the families in June 2017.
Holcim Davao Plant Manager Xavier Kennedy said donation is in line with the company’s commitment to help the country build better and to support noble efforts related to construction such as that of Habitat for Humanity Philippines.
Atty. Abdussabor Sawadjaan, Jr., Habitat’s Program Manager for Davao and Caraga Regions, expressed his appreciation to Holcim Philippines for the support extended to the organization and most specifically to the Matigsalug-Manobo tribe.
“The assistance given will uplift the dignity of the project partner to own a simple, decent and resilient housing unit that will enable them to make a home for their family, without fear of being displaced and be vulnerable to any calamities,” he said.
The Matigsalug-Manobo tribe expressed their appreciation to Habitat for Humanity Philippines through “bayanihan” activities such as sacking of aggregates and cement and delivery of construction materials to the project site, 400 meters away from the giant eagle statue along the Bukidnon-Davao national highway.
Atty. Sawadjaan, Jr. further stated that the project will adopt a “Single Detached Bamboo Reinforced House” design duly approved by National Housing Authority and the Department of Public Works and Highways.
“This design is simple, durable and environment-friendly. It is a permanent and structurally sound shelter structure with floor area of 25 square meters with reinforced concrete for column, footing and a roof beam. The design, standards and specifications are in compliance with National Building Code,” he added.
The design of the tribal village was culturally inspired, respecting the Matigsalug-Manobo affinity to nature. Atty. Sawadjaan plans to work with the community in developing the tribal village as a tourist destination that showcases the tribe’s tradition and culture. The project partners are willing to be educated and to engage in potential livelihood programs in order to alleviate their living condition.
About Holcim Philippines
Holcim Philippines, Inc. (Philippine Stock Exchange: HLCM) is one of the leading construction solution companies in the country. The Company has a wide range of innovative construction solutions that help homeowners to large- contractors in their building needs.
With cement manufacturing facilities in La Union, Bulacan, Misamis Oriental and Davao, mobile concrete ready-mix facilities and an aggregates business backed by a strong nationwide network of dealers, Holcim Philippines is a reliable partner of builders in the country. Holcim Philippines is also committed to the highest standards of sustainable operations and manufacturing excellence with its plants certified under ISO 14001:2004 (Environmental Management System), ISO 9001:2008 (Quality Management System) and OHSAS 18001:2007 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System).
Holcim Philippines is a member of the LafargeHolcim Group, the world leader in the building materials industry present in 80 countries with over 90,000 employees.
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