CeMAP cites FPI's sustainable development moves

MANILA, Philippines - The Cement Manufacturers’ Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) cited yesterday the bold steps being undertaken by the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) towards sustainable development. 

The CeMAP noted that FPI, an umbrella organization of 36 industry associations and 43 corporate members, is coming out with an awards program for FPI member-companies, industry associations and environmental non-government organizations which pursue programs in four major concerns. 

The four concerns are corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects to uplift the well being of communities where FPI members are located (thrust on poverty alleviation); management of wastes and emissions (includes CO2 reduction initiatives); use of alternative raw materials, recycling wastes, prudent use of fuel, water and other resources; and continuous improvement of health and safety standards in the workplace.

Ernesto Ordonez, CeMAP president and FPI sustainable development committee chairman, called on other industries to confront the same challenge. 

“It is only when industries work together with other environment stakeholders that we can achieve the sustainable future our nation needs,” he said.

CeMAP also cited FPI’s use of its website geared to encouraging member–firms to pursue sustainable development programs. This website (http://www.fpi.ph – click on ‘Sustainable Development’) will enable faster and livelier exchange of information among members firms and the public at large The FPI has already created a technical working group to lay down the criteria for awarding companies with exemplary achievements in the above mentioned concerns.

FPI leaders look forward to boosting industry exchange for information, institutionalizing and promoting “re-cycling” and “re-using” among member-companies, who view FPI’s commitment to sustainable development as the “fundamental challenge facing humanity today.”