Group cites partnership with community

MANILA, Philippines - The member firms of the Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) were recently cited for the effectiveness of their co-processing waste partnership following the success of CeMAP’s solid waste management project in Teresa, Rizal.

“Co-processing waste is a service that is offered by many of CeMAP members and the technology has effectively worked while keeping the same levels of quality of the cement produced,” explained CeMAP president Dr. Ernesto M. Ordonez.

“The waste materials included are primarily plastics and combustible residual wastes,” added Ordonez.

In the FPI Recognition Awards for Outstanding Practices in Sustainable Development for 2011, the cement industry bested 37 other industry sub sectors to be recognized as most outstanding in Waste Management. For the same category, one CeMAP member won a Most Outstanding Corporation Award.

CEMEX Philippines, a CeMAP member, has partnered with the provincial government of Rizal and Green Alternative Technologies Specialists Inc. (GATSI) to treat non-recyclable residual waste that is processed in its Solid cement plant in Antipolo.

Additionally, CEMEX has supported Naga (Cebu) local authorities, in their “zero waste” program. This led to the recognition of Naga City by the Federation of Philippine Industries for its achievement in solid waste management in 2011.

Lafarge Republic has been helping Teresa, where one of its plants is located. Aside from utilizing RDF from Teresa, the cement company provides posters, flyers and tarpaulins containing public reminders and instructions on how to properly segregate and dispose of waste.

Since 2008, Holcim has partnered with the cities of Iloilo and Malolos for the co-processing of residual wastes from these LGU’s. The activity affords the LGU’s a way by which to reduce their landfilling cost and comply with the requirement of RA 9003 on waste diversion while at the same time providing part of Holcim’s fuels requirement.

Taiheiyo Cement Philippines is co-processing paint sludge, used grease and combustible non-hazardous waste materials.

CeMAP’s Northern Cement and Pacific Cement are also committed to support this drive by recycling residual wastes in their industrial operations.