by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 26, 2021 | Business
More than a thousand trucks carrying products of cement manufacturer Holcim Philippines, Inc. are out on the country’s roads every day. This makes logistics a key part of the company’s business, impacting its ability to provide a reliable supply to customers and manage costs.
Holcim Philippines has implemented several improvement initiatives for logistics operations. Among the most successful is a program designed to strengthen safety in logistics.
Edwin Villas, Holcim Philippines Senior Vice President for Logistics, said the company’s focus on road safety is part of an overall effort to have excellent logistics operations. “Improving safety in logistics also leads to better business results as we reduce the risk of delivery delays due to poorly maintained vehicles or accidents with our transportation partners,” Villas added.
The comprehensive program requires transporters to meet strict standards for roadworthiness and maintenance for trucks. Holcim Philippines also conducts route assessments to identify hazards and advises drivers on precautionary measures. A debriefing and coaching session is held after each trip. Safe drivers are rewarded, while unsafe ones are helped to improve. The company holds a monthly meeting with its transport partners to discuss safety performance.
In addition, Holcim Philippines, with the support of the LafargeHolcim Group, has introduced digitalization to drive improvements. The performance of fleets and drivers is tracked through In-Vehicle Monitoring System (IVMS), a device that measures driving behavior, such as speeding, harsh braking, and fatigue. Information from IVMS is fed into the company’s Transport Analytics Centre (TAC), which crunches the numbers to optimize routes for improvements in safety, customer service, and efficiency.
Another important component of Holcim Philippines’ logistics safety efforts is a driver training program launched five years ago when the company became the anchor client of the country’s first truck driver academy operated by TDC-Uyeno, a joint venture between logistics companies Transnational Diversified Group and Japan’s Uyeno Yuso Ltd.
Since then, 907 drivers of transporters working with Holcim Philippines have completed the four-day driving course. The company did not let the pandemic stop trainings, with 257 people completing the course virtually last year.
The company’s focus on driver training is meant to address the lack of formal training for most drivers in the country, where it is common for trucks to be operated by former helpers who shifted to driving to earn more.
Since 2015, 907 drivers of transporters working with the company have completed the safe driving course. Holcim Philippines continues to train drivers on road safety with instructions and assessments conducted virtually given the pandemic.
One such driver is Alex Villasfir, who learned about driving while working as a helper for his father. He has driven professionally for 14 years, but it was only in Holcim Philippines that he had formal training. “Malaki ang naitulong lalo na sa pagiging defensive at responsableng driver. Mas naintindihan ko yung mga sa safety rules sa kalsada. Yung mga maliliit na sasakyan na singit ng singit pinapabayaan ko na. Mas doble ingat na kasi malaki yung dala namin (The trainings have been a big help in becoming a defensive and responsible driver. I understood better the safety rules on the road. Now I give way to smaller vehicles that want to pass me. I have to be more careful because I’m driving a bigger vehicle),” he said.
The increased focus on logistical excellence has led to positive results. In 2020, road transport incidents decreased by 60% compared to 2017. During the same period, the company’s trucks covered nearly 18 million kilometers – the equivalent of traveling from the Philippines to the U.S. 1,369 times – without a single fatality. The company has also significantly reduced its logistics costs.
Richard Cruz, Holcim Philippines Vice President for Health, Safety, and Security said the LafargeHolcim Group has recognized the company’s progress in improving logistics safety. More importantly, it is helping make the country’s roads safer. “Road accidents remain one of the leading causes of death in the country. We are proud to help address this challenge by following the best practices for transporting our goods and improving the skills of Filipino truck drivers,” he said.
Cruz added that there are plans to further improve logistics safety through enhancements to the driver rewards program and a mobile app to monitor driving performance. “This is part of our overall commitment to health and safety in the company. We want to ensure that everyone involved in our business can go home safely after work. Logistics is a key part of our business, and it is only right that we ensure our partners are fully equipped to do their work safely,” he said.
Holcim Philippines, Inc. (Philippine Stock Exchange: HLCM) is one of the leading building solution companies in the country. The Company has a deep portfolio of innovative solutions fostered by a full range of products from structuring to finishing applications that can help local builders execute with high performance and efficiency a wide range of projects from massive infrastructure to simple home repairs.
With cement manufacturing facilities in La Union, Bulacan, Batangas, Misamis Oriental, and Davao, as well as aggregates and dry mix business and technical support facilities for building solutions, 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 45001:2018 (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 75,000 employees.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 25, 2021 | Advocacy
Close to 500 houses for families displaced by the conflict in Marawi have been built as part of the partnership to support the city’s rehabilitation by leading building solutions provider Holcim Philippines, Inc., the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat), and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
By the end of April 2021,491 of the 1,057 housing units planned for the first phase of the project were either completed or under construction. Holcim Philippines has supplied close to 72,000 bags of general-purpose cement Holcim Excel to the project sites in Marawi through its plant in Lugait, Misamis Oriental. Additional 85,000 bags of Holcim Excel will be used for the rest of the houses.
The reconstruction is being led by Marawi residents, 116 of whom were trained and certified by TESDA under Holcim Philippines’ ‘galing Mason program. The masonry skills and certification from TESDA will enable beneficiaries to explore job opportunities in other areas after completing the construction projects in Marawi.
Holcim Philippines Vice President for Communications Cara Ramirez: “We are pleased that this partnership project with the UN-Habitat is progressing well and helping the City of Marawi rise again. This wonderful update is a welcome development as we join the nation for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. The continued recovery of Marawi is a testament to the resilience of Filipinos, and shows how our products are making a difference in the lives of our countrymen and the progress of the nation.”
UN-Habitat Country Programme Manager Christopher Rollo: “Eid Mubarak to our Muslim brothers and sisters! The Rebuilding Marawi Project, funded by the People of Japan, is steadily moving forward towards its goal of providing permanent houses to 1,057 families affected by the 2017 Marawi Siege. The ongoing permanent shelter construction in four resettlement sites and the turnover of Hadiya Village to 109 families are project milestones made possible by various partnerships forged along the course of project implementation. UN-Habitat is grateful for the strong partnership it has built with Holcim Philippines – access to cement is one major aspect of the partnership that kept the construction of houses unhampered amidst the mobility restrictions posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The project is part of a multi-sector effort to rebuild Marawi after a devastating conflict there several years ago that displaced nearly 80,000 families. In addition to UN-Habitat and TESDA, the project is supported by the Government of Japan, the Task Force Bangon Marawi, and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.
Holcim Philippines, Inc. (Philippine Stock Exchange: HLCM) is one of the leading building solution companies in the country. The Company has a deep portfolio of innovative solutions fostered by a full range of products from structuring to finishing applications that can help local builders execute with high performance and efficiency a wide range of projects from massive infrastructure to simple home repairs.
With cement manufacturing facilities in La Union, Bulacan, Batangas, Misamis Oriental, and Davao, as well as aggregates and dry mix business and technical support facilities for building solutions, 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 45001:2018 (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 75,000 employees.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 23, 2021 | Business
As quarantine restrictions have been eased a bit in NCR+, The Manila Hotel reopens its Lobby Lounge on May 24, 2021, after the temporary suspension of dining services due to the ECQ.
The reopening of The Lobby Lounge gives valued guests a perfect opportunity to enjoy its perks again: great food, meeting and endless conversation with friends and business partners, excellent service, and free Wi-Fi internet connection.
More than a typical café setup, the Lobby Lounge is quiet, comfortable, and spacious, which also means that guests are kept at a distance from each other and enjoy a bit of privacy with high-backed seats. Cleaned and sanitized daily, the health and hygiene protocols put in place by The Manila Hotel includes fresh air dampers that circulate fresh outdoor air into the lobby, which is also sanitized by air microfilters.
kare-kare
club sandwich
The Lobby Lounge is also a grand heritage setting for a relaxing afternoon: with its white Doric columns, Philippine mahogany furniture with elegant chandeliers made of brass, crystal, and capiz seashells. More than our stellar interior, it serves hot meals like Sinigang na Salmon, Kare Kare, Crispy Pata, and other local delights.
You can also enjoy the lavish “Merienda Especial” Filipino Afternoon Tea that includes native delicacies like Bibingka and Puto Bumbong paired with our specialty grade coffee beans, hot chocolate, or tea.
Try the filling Manila Hotel club sandwich or assorted pastries. And escape the punishing weather outside when you relax in the cool interiors and enjoy fruit teas or our Halo-Halo.
The Manila Hotel’s The Lobby Lounge is known for its exceptional facilities and warm service. It also assures its guests that “You are safe here” as we strictly adhere to stringent health and safety protocols.
The Lobby Lounge is open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, and dinner from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 9 pm. For more information, call 85270011.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 22, 2021 | Food & Beverage
For the second consecutive summer, Filipinos are spending their time indoors at home due to the pandemic. Many of us have found creative ways to have fun and beat the summer heat, such as setting up inflatable pools, enjoying time with family in air-conditioned rooms while watching Netflix, and sipping refreshing ice-cold beverages.
One of the best ways to quench our thirst during this scorching season is with a delicious cup of milk tea. After two summers in lockdown, we have definitely ordered our favorite milk tea from our usual shops. However, it’s time to switch things up and try Tea Talk: the next must-visit milk tea shop!
Tea Talk features special milk tea concoctions made from authentic ingredients, making it one of the up-and-coming local milk tea shops worth checking out. Avoid going stir-crazy during the quarantine and create memorable bonding moments with your family while enjoying Tea Talk’s refreshing summer coolers.
Tea Talk Boba Brown Sugar Milk
If you’re in search of a delicious dessert-like beverage, try Tea Talk’s Brown Sugar Boba Milk.
Made with fresh milk and brown sugar syrup, this drink offers a sweet caramel flavor, a hint of arnibal, and a delightfully silky texture.
Are you looking for a refreshing and healthy drink that will satisfy your taste buds? Try Tea Talk’s Matcha Milk.
Made with fresh milk, natural sweeteners, and matcha flavor, one sip of this drink will have you hooked.
If you’re undecided or don’t have a specific flavor in mind, you can’t go wrong with a cup of signature Tea Talk Milk Tea.
Made with rich and creamy fresh milk and topped with tapioca pearls. This drink offers a simple yet delicious taste that you can enjoy.
Are you ready to try something new and unique? Tea Talk’s Oolong Milk Tea presents a light and flavorful experience with a nutty aftertaste.
This delightful drink combines classic iced oolong tea with rich, creamy fresh milk, all topped off with chewy tapioca pearls.
Tea Talk Taro Bubble Milk
For milk tea enthusiasts who enjoy a blend of sweet and nutty flavors, Tea Talk’s Taro Bubble Milk is the perfect choice.
This drink is made with natural tea, creamy fresh milk, and a delightful sweet taro flavor, providing you with the energy and fiber boost you need.
For a classic, vanilla-like beverage, Tea Talk’s Thai Milk Tea is a must-try drink.
Made with natural Thai tea flavor and milk, you will enjoy its silky texture and deliciously sweet, creamy taste.
Tea Talk Passion Fruit Special
If you’re looking for a refreshing drink with tropical flavors, Tea Talk’s Passion Fruit Special is the perfect choice.
This beverage is a sparkling iced tea infused with passion fruit, offering delightful natural health benefits. It delivers a sweet taste with a hint of tanginess.
Tea Talk Sakura Red Velvet
If you have a sweet tooth, Tea Talk’s Sakura Red Velvet will give you a creamy velvety cheesecake goodness.
Perfectly crafted Japanese-inspired milk tea, this drink is infused with real cherry extracts and mixed with creamy red velvet cheesecake and blushing pink tapioca pearls.
Tea Talk Wintermelon Fruit Tea
If you’re looking for a refreshing yet calming beverage, consider Tea Talk’s Wintermelon Fruit Tea.
This iced drink blends natural lemon juice with delightful wintermelon tea flavors, providing the perfect balance of sweetness and fruity taste.
What are you waiting for? Enjoy a delightful Tea and Talk experience this summer with your family and quench your thirst with Tea Talk. Find the nearest branch in your area: https://www.teatalk.ph/our-stores/
Tea Talk is the first homegrown milk tea brand in Morong, Rizal. Launched in 2019, Tea Talk offers authentic milk tea and beverages made with high-quality, fresh ingredients. With its uniquely flavored milk tea and a selection of complimentary appetizers and snacks, Tea Talk aims to provide customers with a delightful “Happy Tea and Happy Talk” experience.
For more information, please visit Tea Talk’s official website at teatalk.ph.
You can also like and follow Tea Talk on social media: facebook.com/teatalkmain on Facebook, instagram.com/teatalk.official on Instagram, and tiktok.com/@teatalk.main on TikTok.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | May 11, 2021 | Food & Beverage
Muslims around the world celebrate the end of the fasting period of Ramadan with Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast this May 12, 2021. It is celebrated through prayer, gifts, and lavish feast. While the country is predominantly Catholic, Islam is the second-largest religion in the country. No wonder, Filipinos have become fond of Halal foods.
Halal food is prepared following a set of Islamic dietary laws and regulations that determine what is permissible, lawful, and clean. Any dish can be halal, as long as the meat used is religiously slaughtered and no pork or alcohol is involved.
The Manila Hotel’s Café Ilang-Ilang has a Halal kitchen certified by the Muslim Mindanao Halal Certification Board. This kitchen dedicated to Halal food preparation serves Indian and Middle Eastern-inspired halal dishes that will whet your appetite and pay homage to its traditional roots.
Designed for proper breaking of the fast, The Manila Hotel’s Ramadan Special Halal Home Buffet set comes with dried dates and juice, chickpeas hummus, Fatoush mixed salad, roti and naan bread, vegetable biryani, tandoori chicken, lamb rogan josh, vegetable samosa, and baklava. The set is just one of the three choices for the Halal Certified Home Buffet.
“Our Lamb Rogan Josh is a must-try. It’s imported from Australia and it has the spices and sharpness that will surely be enjoyed by everyone. We can also customize the food according to our customer’s requests. Say you don’t like chili, we can make it milder. We can tweak a dish to please your palate while still being true to its authentic taste,” says Chef Kiran Singh, the hotel’s Halal-trained chef.
Celebrate Eid Al Fitr by ordering any of The Manila Hotel’s Halal Home Buffet sets or dishes, available for Takeout and delivery. Visit https://www.manila-hotel.com.ph/takeout/ for the full menu, or call 8527-0011 or 0998-9501912.
Holcim Philippines, Inc. (Philippine Stock Exchange: HLCM) is one of the leading building solution companies in the country. The Company has a deep portfolio of innovative solutions fostered by a full range of products from structuring to finishing applications that can help local builders execute with high performance and efficiency a wide range of projects from massive infrastructure to simple home repairs.
Holcim Philippines is a member of the LafargeHolcim Group, the world leader in the building materials industry present in 80 countries with over 75,000 employees.
Holcim Philippines, Inc. (Philippine Stock Exchange: HLCM) is one of the leading building solution companies in the country. The Company has a deep portfolio of innovative solutions fostered by a full range of products from structuring to finishing applications that can help local builders execute with high performance and efficiency a wide range of projects from massive infrastructure to simple home repairs.
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 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System).
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