APO Cement and SOLID Cement secure Domestic Bidders’ Certificates of Preference
Cemex Philippines‘ commitment to excellence and local manufacturing has been officially recognized with the recent awarding of the Domestic Bidders (DoBid) Certificate of Preference by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Photo shows Cemex Philippines executives together with Department of Trade & Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Group officials during the awarding of the Domestic Bidder’s Certificate of Preference (DoBid). They are (from left:) Roberto Javier, Cemex Philippines VP for Commercial; Jesus Ortiz, Cemex Philippines VP for Strategic Planning; Rafaelito Aldaba, DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group Undersecretary; and Sheryl Santos, DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Division Chief.
This certification, granted to APO Cement and SOLID Cement, affirms that these products are not only locally manufactured but also meet the highest quality standards, making them preferred choices for government contractors and consumers alike.
The DoBid certification is a significant achievement for Cemex Philippines, especially under the newly enacted Tatak Pinoy Law. This legislation mandates a preference for Philippine-made products in all government procurement processes, underscoring the importance of supporting local industries.
The certification serves as a testament to the company’s adherence to stringent government criteria, including quality, capability, and compliance.
A testament to Cemex Philippines’ local manufacturing excellence
The awarding ceremony, attended by key officials from the DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group, highlighted the importance of local manufacturing in the Philippines’ economic landscape. Among those present were DTI Undersecretary Rafaelito Aldaba and Division Chief Sheryl Santos, who handed the certificate to Cemex Philippines executives, including VP for Commercial Roberto Javier and VP for Strategic Planning Jesus Ortiz.
Photo shows (clockwise, from top left:) John Manansala, Technical Commercial Manager; Roberto Javier, Commercial VP; Jesus Ortiz, Strategic Planning VP; Martin Antonio, Marketing Manager; Mary Micaela Evangelista, Public Affairs and Sustainability Manager; DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Division Chief Sheryl Santos; DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba; and Atty. Enricka Gonzalez, Legal Manager.
Luis Franco, CEO and President of Cemex Philippines, expressed pride in receiving the certification. “APO Cement and SOLID Cement are proudly Tatak Pinoy,” Franco stated. “We have always been committed to supporting the Philippine cement industry and local manufacturing. The DoBid certification will further strengthen our partnership with the government and contribute to developing essential infrastructure projects that will benefit the nation and thousands of Filipino workers.”
Economic impact and jobs creation
Cemex Philippines operates plants in Antipolo City, Rizal, and Naga City, Cebu, both of which are critical to the local and national economy. These facilities not only provide stable jobs for thousands of Filipinos but also play a crucial role in supporting the country’s infrastructure development plans, particularly under the “Build Better More” initiative.
The DoBid certification enhances the company’s ability to serve as a preferred domestic supplier, ensuring compliance with the Tatak Pinoy law and expanding its reach across the nation.
The rigorous process of obtaining the DoBid certification involved comprehensive evaluations of Cemex Philippines’ manufacturing capabilities, including on-site inspections and audits focused on industry standards such as materials, machinery, methods, manufacturing facilities, and manpower.
This thorough assessment guarantees that APO Cement and SOLID Cement products are of the highest quality, meeting the needs of government contractors tasked with developing critical infrastructure projects nationwide.
Supporting the Philippine construction industry
Cemex Philippines has a long-standing history of providing innovative and sustainable building materials and solutions to the construction industry. With a strong presence in the country and a dedicated workforce, APO Cement and SOLID Cement are well-positioned to meet the growing demands of the sector.
The DoBid certification not only solidifies the company’s reputation as a leader in the industry but also highlights its vital role in the ongoing development of the nation’s infrastructure.
As a global construction materials company, Cemex is committed to building a better future through sustainable products and solutions. The company is at the forefront of the circular economy in the construction value chain, pioneering ways to increase the use of waste and residues as alternative raw materials and fuels in its operations.
This commitment to sustainability and innovation aligns with the goals of the “Tatak Pinoy Law,” further enhancing Cemex Philippines’ contribution to the country’s economic growth.
A future built on quality and sustainability
With the DoBid Certificate of Preference, Cemex Philippines is poised to make an even more significant impact on the Philippine economy. Early this year, Cemex Philippines also signed a contract with Filinvest-ENGIE Renewable Energy Enterprise, Inc. (FREE) to develop a 10.08 MW ground-mounted solar system in Cemex’s facility in Apo Cement Plant in the City of Naga, Cebu.
The company’s dedication to quality, sustainability, and local manufacturing not only supports the government’s infrastructure goals but also strengthens the overall competitiveness of the Philippine construction industry.
As Cemex continues to innovate and lead in sustainable practices, its role in shaping the future of the nation’s infrastructure remains undeniable.