Republic Cement helps rebuild Marawi City

• Source: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/05/17/republic-cement-helps-rebuild-marawi-city/
• Friday, May 17, 2019

By Roderick Abad

Local cement manufacturer Republic Cement is targeting to assist 146 Maranao families displaced by the Marawi siege in rebuilding their homes via a project it is undertaking with the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and other firms.

Dubbed “Marawi Tibayanihan: Rebuilding Homes for a Stronger Marawi,” the project, which was launched this month, seeks to help households in three communities in Marawi City.

A total of 44 families in Barangays Raya Saduc and Bubonga will gain from home repair or rehabilitation. Each of them will benefit from a grant for the construction materials, after an assessment of the condition of their homes and the required repairs.

Republic Cement & Building Materials Inc. President Renato C. Sunico said in a statement that the firm will ensure the steady supply of cement needed for housing.

“We are manufacturing cement called Mindanao. This will be exclusively distributed for the rehabilitation of Marawi City,” he said of the company’s blended cement Type 1P conforming to both PNS 63 and ASTM C595.

Ideal for general concrete applications, this construction material will be bought directly from hardware stores and retailers in the war-torn city.

Families who do not have the capacity to pay for labor and materials were prioritized. Under the program, the “Tibayanihan Crew” will render labor services to each beneficiary-family. “We are funding the project to train construction workers, especially masons, to make their work more safe and sound,” Sunico said.

The recruits are victims of the Marawi siege. They were given protective gears and trained in carpentry, painting, plumbing, electrical wiring, welding and masonry.

“I am happy because I can now repair my house and my neighbors’ homes. Aside from helping, the project will provide an opportunity for us to earn for the services that we will render,” said Dimard Fahad, trained Tibayanihan crew from Barangay Raya Saduc.

“We are also excited for Tesda [Technical Education and Skills Development Authority] certification because it will prepare us for bigger construction projects,” he added.

With their acquired skills, the building and reconstruction team of the Task Force Bangon Marawi could employ them if needed. Also, the provincial government of Lanao del Sur showed interest to help and include them in its pool of skilled workers.

The project will also involve the construction of a drainage cover Area 1 Transitional Shelter in Sagonsongan. It is expected to benefit some 102 families.

“Our drainage here remains uncovered since the time it was constructed. We already documented 40 children who accidentally fell in the drain. Some were hospitalized while others were treated at home for minor injuries,” said Saripada L. Pacasum, provincial disaster-risk reduction management officer of Lanao del Sur.