Holcim Philippines, Inc., ASKI Foundation, and Alalay sa Kaunlaran Microfinance Social Development, Inc. (ASKI Microfinance) are expanding their partnership to support building and renovating houses for disaster resilience.
Under the partnership, Holcim will fund the project to help at least 30 families in Nueva Ecija build or improve their homes for disaster resilience.
Sam Manlosa, Jr., Holcim Philippines chief sustainability officer, said, "We are excited to expand our successful partnership with ASKI and ASKI Foundation to help build resilient homes for the most vulnerable in the Philippines. This initiative gives us a more holistic contribution to climate action and complements our ongoing efforts to decarbonize operations. This program also shows the value of integrating sustainability in the business for positive results and social impact."
The initiative expands the successful 2023 program that helped 37 families in Aurora strengthen their houses against extreme weather.
The ASKI Foundation will conduct community awareness campaigns on using suitable building materials for the correct application, ensuring efficient material consumption and lower construction costs.
In addition, the ASKI Foundation will train local masons on using Holcim products on resilient buildings.
ASKI Microfinance, meanwhile, will extend home-strengthening microloans to qualified clients in Nueva Ecija. These clients must use Holcim products such as general-purpose cement Excel ECOPlanet and TectorCeram Skimcoat and TectorPlast Tile Adhesives.
Jane Manucdoc, executive director of ASKI Microfinance, said, "As a social development advocate, there is no greater joy than seeing clients uplift their lives and live peaceably within the safety of their homes. The ASKI and Holcim Resilient Housing Program is dedicated to providing livable, resilient, and affordable homes for families in need. This initiative addresses the critical need for housing and ensures that these homes are built to withstand natural disasters, offering long-term safety and stability. The program fosters stronger, more resilient communities by empowering families with secure and sustainable housing, ultimately providing a foundation for a better future."
ASKI was started in 1986 by Christian business leaders in Nueva Ecija to support the community's development by providing microfinancing access to small entrepreneurs and other members of society not served by more prominent funding institutions.
It has grown to serve rural communities and overseas Filipino workers with a portfolio of P1.7 billion with 92 branches in Regions 1, 2, and 3, serving more than 100,000 clients and insuring more than 800,000 members and their families.
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