Celebs join Holcim drive

MANILA, Philippines - Celebrities recently pledged their support for cement maker Holcim Philippines’s online campaign for sustainability.

Famous pledgers include rockers Ebe Dancel, Jett Pangan of The Dawn, Allan Bords of Kamikazee, surfer Luke Landrigan, film director Kidlat Tahimik, comedians Maey Bautista and Betong, among many others.

Aside from celebrities, the campaign has drawn in a diverse group of participants that include bishops, NGO heads, students, housewives and corporate executives.

“This is really what the campaign hopes to do, to bring down the concept of sustainability to broad sectors of Filipinos,” said Beng Prado, Holcim Philippines vice president for corporate communications.

The pledges form part of Holcim Philippines’ nationwide campaign called Sagot Ko ang Bukas, which seeks to simplify the idea of sustainability and make the public understand that personal actions contribute to its attainment. The company launched in March sagotko.holcim.ph, a microsite where people can pledge for concrete initiatives on a number of issues that affect sustainability.

Ebe, for one, vowed to live healthier. “I pledge to eat right, exercise regularly and take care of myself so I can take care of others,” he wrote on the site. Ebe also supported this Holcim campaign by composing the song Sagot Ko ang Bukas.

Meanwhile, Survivor Philippines celebrity edition alumna Maey Bautista pledged to be more mindful about conserving resources.

“Magtitipid ako sa tubig at kuryente. Sisiguraduhin ko na nakapatay and mga ilaw na di ginagamit at i-unplug ang mga appliances na hindi ginagamit,” she promised.

Jett, on the other hand, made a pledge that would benefit local culture and heritage.

“I pledge to continually support OPM despite piracy and the change in media from CD to downloadable digital files,” he said.

Luke, meanwhile, promised to continue a school that would teach special children about the joys of surfing.

For Kidlat, his vow was dedicated to the environment and his grandchildren. He said: “For this and several lifetimes, I promise not to fade away in seeking the ‘Kaalaman ng Katutubo,’ which can re-harmonize me and my great grandchildren — magkaugnay muli sa kalikasan.”

 Betong pledged for the environment, too. “Everytime na kakain ako ng candy, imbes na itapon kung saan-saan, ibubulsa ko ang wrapper at itatapon sa tamang tapunan.”

Prado thanked the pledgers for their commitments, and urged others to think how they can also contribute to a more sustainable world. But more than getting pledges, Holcim Philippines hopes that those who put down their commitments would follow through on these. To date, close to 900 individuals pledged to make the world a better, more sustainable place.