PNS — HOLCIM Philippines, Inc., one of the leading cement companies in the country has tapped multi-awarded actor and entrepreneur Cesar Montano to be its partner for Holcim’s ‘galing Mason Program.
The Holcim’s ‘galing’ Mason Program is a seven-day intensive training course which will teach masons the proper way to handle and make the most of the cement they use. They will also learn the basics of cement properties, the correct use of masonry tools and equipment, bonds and joints, carpentry, trade mathematics and safety in the workplace.
Holcim welcomes Cesar Montano in the ‘galing’ Mason Program because of their shared advocacy of helping uplift the quality of life in poor communities. One of the actor’s major projects with Holcim is to build community facilities in his hometown in Bohol foremost of which is the construction of toilets for the community.
Montano is honored to be a part of the program. “We hope to be able to uplift so many lives across our country. Masons should feel proud of their work and their roles in the community. They should not stop upgrading their skills through trainings which will give them the edge for better employment. I encourage my kababayan to take advantage of this opportunity given by Holcim,” Montano says.
The initial launching of the ‘galing’ Mason Program will be held in Bohol the hometown of Montano sometime in May. The training curriculum was developed by Holcim in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Philippine Constructors Association and the National Union of Building and Construction Workers. At the end of the training course, the participants’ masonry skills will get a certificate from TESDA.
Ian Thackwray, Holcim’s chief operating officer says, “We want to reach out to the primary users of our product- the masons. They make up a critical sector in the construction industry. In their hands lies the safety of structures. Yet their importance remains unrecognized. We want to change that. Our goal is to see a future of highly trained masons in the country. Holcim is committed to empowering masons and bringing them dignity they deserve.”
The Holcim ‘galing’ Mason competition will run from April 2008 to January 2009. The national awarding will be held in January 2009 in Manila.
About Holcim: It is one of the world’s leading suppliers of cement and aggregates (crushed stone, gravel and sand) minority interests in more than 70 countries on all continents. Holcim Philippines, Inc. is a Philippine-based cement manufacturer and a member of Holcim Group. It is involved in the manufacture, sale and distribution of cement to the domestic and export markets. Holcim Phils. Operates four cement plants in La Union, Bulacan, Misamis Oriental and Davao. It currently has 1,400 employees in the Philippines.
On the showbiz side, Cesar admits that making a teleserye like Palos (which is about to end) is an experience he will never forget. “We have to tape so many sequences a day and the fact that it is full of action makes it doubly harder. I am glad that my next assignment is hosting a singing competition which is a big relief and totally relaxing. It is called the Singing Bee which is quite popular in the States. A band will play a song and when it stops, the contestant must supply the missing lyrics. He doesn’t even have to sing it pero dapat tamang ang lyrics na kanyang bibigkasin. I am having so much fun hosting the show which will soon be aired on the Kapamilya channel”.