The district of Paquibato, a new “Peace Zone” in Davao City, is now on the road to progress, starting with the building of a new concrete bridge through the efforts of GMA Kapuso Foundation supported by CEMEX Philippines Foundation.
A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held in Barangay Mapula, Paquibato, Davao City to mark the construction of the bridge.
The project features the construction of a 50-meter cable-suspended steel bridge with a concrete bridge tower. To support the project, CEMEX will be providing 800 bags of cement to be used for the concreting of the bridge.
The joint endeavor is also supported by the City Government of Davao, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and other sponsors.
Gracing the event as guests of honor were GMA Kapuso Foundation EVP and COO Rikki Escudero-Catibog, Davao City Vice Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, Focal Person for Peace 911 Atty. Elisa Lapina, Davao City District Engineer Wilfredo Aguilar, and AFP Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command Lt. General Felimon Santos. Around 500 local community residents were also present during the event.
Representing CEMEX Philippines Foundation were Corporate Communications analyst Martin Antonio, foundation officer Kristina Gallardo, and Logistics Operations officer Alberth Moranta.
Paquibato is home to the Manobo indigenous group, who for many years have struggled to transport their goods due to lack of paved roads and bridges in the locality. Residents, especially students, face the danger of crossing the river almost daily in order to travel from their homes to their schools.
The construction of the concrete bridge is set to benefit five barangays and the families within these communities. It is designed to be 1.8 meters wide to accommodate tricycles, allowing a faster and more convenient way to transport Paquibato’s local products.
Other than transportation, the project aims to promote safety for residents, improve access to food, healthcare, education, trade opportunities, and even open up Paquibato as a tourist destination.
“CEMEX is one with the government in building a better nation through progressive projects,” noted Chito Maniago, Regional Director for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs at CEMEX Philippines and Executive Director of CEMEX Philippines Foundation.
“We have high hopes for the people of Paquibato. We know the importance of this concrete bridge in changing the lives of our countrymen. We, at CEMEX, have a passion for progress that is why we will always support projects that build sustainable communities.”
CEMEX has a rich history of improving the welfare of those it serves through innovative building solutions, efficiency advancements, and efforts to promote a sustainable future in more than 50 countries worldwide.
In the Philippines, CEMEX subsidiaries Apo Cement Corporation in Cebu and Solid Cement Corporation in Rizal produce and market a broad product mix of building solutions. These cement manufacturing plants carry the well-established cement brands Apo and Rizal.
