The Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) has accepted two awards on behalf of the industry from The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI). The cement industry was praised for its outstanding practices in the areas of waste management and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

CeMAP President Ernesto Ordoñez stressed that CeMAP, through its Sustainable Development Committee, fosters among its members “more than” compliance with regulations stipulated in the Clean Air Act and Solid Waste Management Act of the Philippines.

He said they use Continuous Emission Monitoring systems to ensure minimal release of carbon-dioxide emissions. CeMAP is promoting with its members the adoption of best practices in reforestation and in health and safety. It is also promoting the eradication of dumps and landfills in local governments. It is conducting research on best practices in solid-waste management of local governments. The association will share with the local governments the findings of research to campaign for the attainment of zero waste.

Lafarge won the 2011 award for waste management. Lafarge’s Teresa (Rizal) plant is equipped with a Waste Head Recovery System, the first of its kind in the Philippines. This system reduced the plant’s carbon-dioxide emission by 11,800t per year and reduced the use of electricity from the Luzon power grid by a massive 30 per cent.

Meanwhile, Cemex, through its cement plant in Cebu, helped Naga City win the waste management award for local governments. Instead of using a dump, which poses significant risks to health and the environment, the city now uses a resource recovery facility where waste can be recovered, treated, and reused. Cemex assists the local government in the disposal of its waste that can be co-processed in its cement kiln.