Christmas came early this year for Ricky Pasco. He said during his acceptance speech at the awards night last September 25, “Maraming salamat po sa pagpapahalagang ibinigay ninyo sa
aming mga mason. Sana ay magpatuloy ang programang ito upang mas marami pang
mason ang matulungan na maging mabubuting trabahador (Thank you for
appreciating the value masons contribute to society. We hope this program is
sustained so it can help more masons become better in their trade). He plans to use part of his PhP150,000 cash prize for the tuition of
his two kids. The first-time participant bested 19 other national
semi-finalists. Pasco is the second Mindanaon to win the award.
This year’s batch of ‘galing Mason national semi-finalists
spent three days in Javier, Leyte building the perimeter fence for a community
that Holcim Philippines, Inc. is supporting in partnership with the local
government.
The basis for the masons’ final score was their performance
in Leyte, coupled with the results of their panel interview with
representatives from HPI’s ‘galing Mason partner-organizations Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority, Association of Construction and
Informal Workers, Philippine Constructors Association, and National Housing
Authority.
“The ‘galing Mason Program is a testament to our commitment
to sustainability. Equipping masons with the right skills is just the first
step towards providing them with a more sustainable form of livelihood. Through
the program, we aim to boost their employability and help them land jobs in the
construction industry both here and abroad,” said Holcim Philippines President
and CEO Eduardo A. Sahagun.
Sahagun noted that some of the ‘galing Mason winners have
undergone further training to become masonry trainers. Others have used their
learning in setting up their own contracting businesses.
The ‘galing Mason Awards is the recognition component of HPI’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative – the ‘galing Mason Program. Established in 2004, the program aims to upgrade the status of masons and recognize them for their essential role in helping build structures for development.
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