Taiheiyo honors loyalty, service, shared purpose
Loyalty, dedication, and collective commitment took center stage as Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc. (TCPI) honored its long-serving and high-performing employees as 2025 concluded.
Fittingly staged in the spirit of Christmas, TCPI underscored its enduring belief over its employees as its greatest strength during the Service Loyalty Awarding Ceremony on Dec. 12 at the plant’s administration conference hall.
Arnold P. Basalo and Marcelino A. Enad led the awardees, whose three decades of service embody institutional memory, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the company’s mission.
In his message, TCPI President and CEO Takashi Miyashita emphasized that loyalty is not measured by tenure alone, but by consistent dedication to excellence and teamwork.
“Your years of service reflect countless hours of hard
work, resilience, and loyalty to our company’s success. Your contributions are deeply valued and never overlooked,” Miyashita said.
“Beyond contributing to our performance, you have fostered a positive and supportive workplace, witnessed our evolution, and played a vital role in overcoming challenges along the way,” he added.
10 to 30 years
The ceremony formally recognized 27 TCPI employees and two employees of Solid Earth Development Corp. (SEDC) for milestone years of
service, from 10 to 30 years. 30-year service loyalty awardees:
• Arnold P. Basalo
• Marcelino A. Enad
25-year service awardees:
• Christopher M. Alerta
• Percival C. Barayuga
• Reyland B. Buencuchillo
• Manuel O. Maneja, Sr.
• Lyra B. Marfito
• Jose A. Rivera
20-year service awardees:
• Jonathan P. Amante
• Vanessa N. Bongcawil
• Jovenal T. Ebesa
• Kenneth S. Sambalod
Toward renewed strength
President and CEO Takashi Miyashita has affirmed management’s resolve to steer Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc. (TCPI) towards better days ahead with clarity, compassion, and quiet confidence following a period of compounded challenges. He explained during the 2025 Service Loyalty Awarding Ceremony that the company opted to observe austerity and forego the traditional Christmas party, rooted in empathy and responsibility.
“In light of the recent earthquakes, typhoons, and floods in Cebu and nearby regions, it feels inappropriate to celebrate while so many are suffering,” he said, adding that the company’s thoughts remain with affected communities.
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10 • Santa Clauses bring kids
Loyalty ...
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15-year service awardees:
• Melvin S. Antivo
• Rian G. Boquecosa
• Edgar S. Francisco
• Lulubelle S. Romarate
• Harlie Gibb R. Villajos 10-year awardees (TCPI):
• Ma. Devorha C. Abapo
• Jerome B. Abedejos
• Mark Joreve W. Abiso
• Bonnie L. Bacalso
• Vincent Dominique Enad
• Jenefer A. Lansang
• Leonardo R. Rollon
• Fritz T. Sasuman
• John Franklyn M. Segovia
• Vincent Nie R. Villarin 10-year awardees (SEDC):
• Mitzie Almira I. Carin
• Klea Sol Estrellada
TCPI also recognized on a separate occasion its public relations consultant for 20 years, Cerwin T. Eviota, who also previously served for five years the prior company that operated the former plant in San Fernando town.
Beyond tenure
True to the program’s broader purpose, TCPI also recognized employees whose contributions extend beyond their primary roles.
These included:
• 3 full-fledged Integrated Management System (IMS) Internal Auditors and two trainees, for upholding system
integrity and operational discipline
• Plastic Buster champions, acknowledged for promoting environmental responsibility across plant and office sites
• Deputized Safety Officers with Engr. Teovin Siarot (Mechanical Department) named Best Deputized Safety Officer of the Year
• Good Attendance Awardees (76 TCPI and two SEDC employees), reflecting discipline and reliability
• Professional Privilege Awardees (nine TCPI and one SEDC employees), recognized for professional growth and certification
The Plastic Buster champions are Maria Zenith Bacalso and Zenith Victoria Rubi at the plant site, and the Cebu City Office: Atty. Jason Exodus Piquero, Emylita Ortega, Lynne Salarda, Prudencio Cataylo, Jr, and Lyndsley Viajar.
The Deputized Safety Officers include:
• Engr. Rechie Tongalamos –
electrical and instrumentation (E/I)
• Engr. Jun Vincent Pasilan –production
• Engr. Patrick Jay Delposo – civil
• Roldan Etor – quality control
• Kenneth Sambalod – purchasing
• Gregie Porio and Mr. Melchesedek Encabo – packing and logistics
• John Kevin Cabigon – administration
Leadership
Senior management across finance, marketing, operations, human resources, and plant management graced the affair, reflecting leadership’s strong support for employee recognition.
SVP plant manager Tsutomu Hirobe salutes the employees.
They included SVPs Taro Sumi - Finance, Tatsuya SatoMarketing, Tatsuhiro Yamamoto - HRA & LCAD, and Tsutomu Hirobe - Plant Manager, and Sarah Y. Alvarez, vice president and concurrent sales administration and logistics division manager.
The assistant plant managers came in full force -- Hidehiro Suzuki for E/I, Tetsuyuki Miyano for operations and Yuichiro Imasaka for mechan-
Takashi Miyashita President & CEO
Tatsuhiro Yamamoto Chair, Board of Editors
Cerwin T. Eviota
Vanessa N. Bongcawil Christy C. Paypa Editors
25 Years. Jose A. Rivera, Christopher M. Alerta, Lyra B. Marfito, Manuel O. Maneja, Sr., and Reyland B. Buencuchillo selflessly served the company for a quarter of a decade, as valuable as Silver indeed.
20 Years. TCPI’s PR consultant served the company through time now as valuable as an Emerald.
Fumikazu Murakami, as director and technical adviser, led the SEDC executives with president Maria Deeza Guzman and vice president Noel Lorica.
Yamamoto led the HRA team that organized the event, alongside Zenith Victoria L. Rubi, Moises B. Tañola, and awardee Bongcawil.
“You’ve operated our machinery with precision, maintained our facilities with care, and collaborated across departments to keep our production running smoothly and safely,” he said.
“Your loyalty isn’t just about the number of years on the clock. It’s about the trust you’ve placed in this company, the innovation you’ve brought to your work, and the way you’ve lifted up your colleagues along the way,” he added.
As TCPI closes another productive year, the 2025 Service Loyalty Awarding Ceremony stood as both a tribute to the past and an affirmation of the company’s future, one built on loyalty, dedication, and people growing together. ♦
Strength
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Beyond natural calamities, Miyashita spoke candidly about the economic realities confronting the cement industry and TCPI itself, from market shifts and rising costs to intensified competition.
He acknowledged the uncertainty these conditions created for employees, noting that management has had to make “difficult decisions to safeguard TCPI’s long-term stability.”
Yet the message was far from defeatist.
“Let me assure you: we are not standing still,” Miyashita emphasized.
He outlined a three-pronged strategy guiding the company forward. These are:
• Protecting TCPI’s core business by strengthening products and services;
markets, we are positioning TCPI for renewed strength and success,” he added.
Striking a hopeful tone, he underscored that TCPI’s people remain central to this journey.
“Our vision is clear, our resolve is firm, and our commitment to valuing our employees remains unwavering. You are the driving force behind our success,” Miyashita said. “I am honored to stand with you.”
Tatsuhiro Yamamoto, senior vice president for human resources and administration and legal and community affairs division, echoed the sentiment, recognizing the employees’ role not only as contributors but as standard-bearers for the future.
“You’ve set the standard for excellence, and you inspire the next generation of leaders here,” he said.
In his welcome message, Yamamoto praised the employees for showing up “through scorching heat, heavy rain, and even the toughest challenges our industry has faced.”
relations and community affairs. ical.
• Investing in the future through innovation, growth opportunities, and employee development; and
• Reinforcing collaboration through open communication where employee ideas and feedback matter.
Renewed strength
While conceding that the road ahead will demand collective effort, Miyashita expressed firm confidence in the organization’s ability to prevail.
“These setbacks do not define us. They are temporary,” he declared.
“With our strategic initiatives, operational improvements, and exploration of new
He reassured employees that, even amid restraint, management remains committed to investing in their growth and well-being, and to ensuring that TCPI continues to be a workplace where people can thrive.
“Your contributions don’t go unnoticed. You are the heart of this organization,” he emphatically declared
Together, the messages framed the year’s subdued celebration not as a retreat, but as a pause marked by purpose, a reminder that through resilience, shared sacrifice, and unity, TCPI is steadily positioning itself to emerge stronger, more resilient, and ready for the opportunities ahead. ♦
10 Years. Mitzie Almira I. Carin (extreme left), HRA division manager, stands with fellow Blue Sapphire awardees, their superiors solidly behind them.
30 Years. Arnold P. Basalo has been a valuable asset like Pearls with Marcelino A. Enad.
20 Years. A gem as expensive as an Emerald has become of Vanessa N. Bongcawil, manager of human resources and concurrently of public
DTI, Taiheiyo Cement strengthen partnership For continued investments,
PH expansion
QUEZON
City (Nov. 13, 2025) – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reaffirmed the government’s support for ongoing investments, expansion plans, and sustainability initiatives of Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc. (TCPI).
Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque expressed the stance of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. when TCPI executives paid her a visit here today and updated her of the progress of the company’s endeavors.
President & CEO Takashi Miyashita outlined to her TCPI’s multi-phase development program, including upcoming upgrades designed to boost production capacity, enhance operational efficiency, and reinforce its commitment to sustainable manufacturing.
“We appreciate Taiheiyo’s unwavering confidence in the Philippines,” Secretary Roque said, assuring the company of DTI’s continued backing despite the recent challenges brought by calamities.
“The government will do
everything possible to ensure operations not only continue but grow. Partnerships like this strengthen our industries, create jobs, and support national development,” she pointed out.
Miyashita thanked the DTI for its support, noting that Taiheiyo remains committed to long-term investment in the country.
“TCPI has always believed in Cebu’s economic strength and the market potential in the country. Our development program reflects our desire to contribute meaningfully to local growth,” he said.
Miyashita emphasized that the company’s expansion roadmap is anchored on innovation and resilience.
“We aim to build a more sustainable and efficient cement manufacturing facility, one that
can better serve communities, withstand future challenges, and meet rising demand,” he said.
TCPI senior vice president for marketing Tatsuya Sato, management consultant Antonio N. Chiu and VP for sales administration and logistics division Sarah Y. Alvarez joined the President & CEO in visiting DTI head office in this city.
DTI-7 acting regional
director Esperanza T. Melgar and Cebu OIC provincial director Marivic V. Aguilar also discussed with the TCPI executives ways to support the company’s initiatives in the region.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration in ensuring industry stability, promoting investment, and generating more local employment opportunities. ♦
Discussion. TCPI President & CEO Takashi Miyashita and DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque discuss Taiheiyo’s multi-phase expansion and sustainability initiatives, with DTI assuring full support for the company’s continued operations and local job generation.
Meeting. Joining the TCPI CEO and DTI Secretary are, from left: DTI-7 acting regional director Esperanza T. Melgar and Cebu OIC provincial director Marivic V. Aguilar, TCPI SVP Marketing Tatsuya Sato, management consultant Antonio N. Chiu and VP Sarah Y. Alvarez.
TATSUYA
SATO Interest in Law led him to marketing
The Millennials and early Gen Zs followed the legal drama TV series Suits, but a recent expat followed an earlier Japanese series that drew his interest in Law.
Tatsuya Sato eventually studied Law of Obligation when he went to Meiji University in Tokyo, a course that specializes in business and sales deals and other transactions.
After graduation in 1996, Nippon Cement got him on board for the sales and marketing team at its head office selling cement, then moved after two years to its Chubu branch when the merger into Taiheiyo Cement Corporation (TCC) came.
There in Nagoya City, he continued to sell cement for three years, then shifted to selling in the same area aggregates needed with cement in producing concrete for three years.
By mid-2004, TCC moved Sato to Shizuoka sales office, located between Nagoya and Tokyo, selling cement until he returned to Nagoya by 2008 selling cement for batching plants, precast factories and property developers.
His first overseas assignment came in 2012 when he flew to the former Saigon to serve as Ho Chi Minh branch director for seven years far down south from the plant of Nghi Son Cement Co. located near Hanoi up north.
TCC brought Sato back to Japan by mid-2019, promoting him to deputy manager of the Sales Department at the head office overseeing the sales performance of all branches, riding out the challenges of the CoViD-19 pandemic until early 2022.
In the next three years, he managed the Naha sales office of
the Kyushu branch in far south Okinawa Island until his tour of duty now as Senior Vice President for Marketing of Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc. (TCPI) in April 2025.
Court general
Born in Saitama, Sato spent his high school playing for the school basketball team during which he honed his leadership mantle as court general, the point guard of the varsity team.
Off the court, he played the lead guitar of his high school band, inspired by 80’s Rock of Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard; then his interest shifted towards legendary rock guitarists, like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page, who played and started their career with the Yardbirds one after the other.
He also loved to play the tunes of his other idols like Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Mick Taylor of the Rolling Stones.
While in college towards becoming a professional, his taste for music spread to jazz and blues, like the impressionist harmony and block chords of Bill Evans, the cool jazz fusion of Miles Davis, and “the fathers of bluse,” BB. King and Muddy Waters.
Still, he would occasionally play with his old school friends when he visits his hometown.
Sato would unwind after work guzzling some bottles or mugs of ice cold beer, at times while watching his favorite flicks, like The Blues Brothers and the franchises of Agent 007, Bourne Identity and Mission Impossible.
While basketball has become history for him, he has shifted to playing golf and, while he worked in Okinawa, he oc-
casionally went scuba diving into the world-renown Kerema Blue in Okinawa. He intends to explore Cebu’s seawater soon.
In his stint now with TCPI, Sato shared his goal is to open and develop new markets, especially with a new plant now running in San Fernando and the impending expansion to Luzon, especially when Luzon Distribution Terminal runs.
He expects cooperation and full support of the employees and encourages them to be open with him to share information and valuable inputs. “Do not hesitate to talk to me,” he said, addressing the company’s workforce.
After three quarters in the country, Sato acknowledges he is still familiarizing and understanding the Filipino culture, studying how he could apply his vast experience in selling cement in Japan in various circumstances. ♦
SVP Sato as a young rock guitarist (above) and exploring Kerema Blue (right) off Okinawa islands.
BHWs guided to handle leptospirosis threat
Leptospirosis is a threat to public health, a serious concern brought to fore in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino that inundated various parts of Cebu on Nov. 4, 2025.
This compelled Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc. (TCPI) at taking the initiative to strengthen community defenses against the risk by training 144 barangay health workers (BHWs) on “Leptospirosis Awareness and Prevention in the Community.”
Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection transmitted through water contaminated by infected animals’ urine, has seen increased incidence in flood affected areas of Cebu as residents got exposed to stagnant and contaminated waters.
Local health authorities in Central Visayas have reported a surge in cases tied to post flood exposure and are urging heightened vigilance and early medical consultation to prevent serious complications.
TCPI hosted the BHWs at its junior staff house on Dec. 17, 2025, in two batches, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon, disclosed Brijade May L. Navasquez, a community and general affairs staff.
Some 52 BHWs attended the morning session, representing Bugho, Magsico Panadtaran, Tañañas and Tinubdan, while 92 came in the other session from Basak, Cabatbatan, Ilaya, North and South Poblacion, Tabionan Tonggo and Tubod.
TCPI senior vice president
Tatsuhiro Yamamoto opened the activity by welcoming participants and stressing how frontline health workers are essential in protecting families and communities against emerging threats from flood related illnesses.
“With the flooding still fresh in our communities’ memory, it is critical that our BHWs are not only aware of leptospirosis risks, but are equipped with the skills to educate, detect, and guide residents toward prevention and care,” he said.
Vanessa N. Bongcawil, TCPI manager for HR, PR and community affairs, underscored the company’s mission to support community resilience through sustained health education.
“Our BHWs are vital partners in community protection. Through seminars like this, especially after events like Tino, we ensure that critical health knowledge reaches every household, helping to prevent avoidable suffering,” she said.
Preventive
Company nurses Fred Bert Cortes and Margarette Mae
Intervencion facilitated the seminar with support from community relations coordinator Efren T. Labrado and Navasquez.
Cortes provided updated insights on leptospirosis transmission, the importance of protective measures such as avoiding contact with floodwaters when possible, using protective gear if contact is unavoidable.
Recognizing early symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, chills, headache and red eyes. all of which support timely referral for treatment, is critical, he emphasized.
“Leptospirosis may appear mild at first, but without
prompt recognition and proper medical response, it can lead to organ complications,” Cortes pointed out.
“Our goal as health workers is to help residents understand that simple preventive actions, like wearing protective clothing, watching for symptoms after exposure, and encouraging early consultation, can save lives,” he added.
BHWs also shared community perspectives and energetically delivered a cultural dance number from South and North Poblacion, reinforcing the seminar’s theme of community unity in health promotion.
Public health officials across Cebu continue to caution
residents against wading into floodwaters and advise seeking medical care at the first sign of illness.
With proactive community health action, including seminars as TCPI did, local stakeholders are better positioned to safeguard public well being in the face of recurring weather challenges. ♦
Welcome. SVP Tatsuhiro Yamamoto welcomes the health workers.
Plastic Buster expands to all San Fernando schools
The Plastic Buster Program of Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc. (TCPI) that started among employees has expanded to all public schools in San Fernando town.
This developed following the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Education (DepEd) on Nov. 12, 2025, at the company’s administration conference room.
Dwight P. Avila, manager for environment and safety, announced the initiative now covers 15 schools across DepEd’s Districts 1 and 2, marking a significant step in deepening environmental awareness among the youth.
The expanded program is meant to strengthen community-based solid waste management, anchoring hopes in the youth to carry on the efforts to keep their environment clean and healthy.
With SVP plant manager Tsutomu Hirobe, San Fernando District II supervisor Jenelyn Craste signed the MOA on behalf of DepEd in front of school principals from both districts and officials of Cebu Technology University (CTU).
Eng’r. Mary Ellen Camarillo, dean of the College of Engineering at CTU Argao, witnessed the signing with CTU San Fernando campus director Wilfredo G. Anoos, dean of instruction Stevie B. Manugas, and faculty Leila Pinatil.
Collaboration. Stakeholders sign the document of their commitment to rollout the Plastic Buster Program in the schools of San Fernando, above from left: MENRO Nelson Soronio, EMB’s John Roy B. Kyamko, TCPI SVP plant manager Tsutomu Hirobe, and some of the school heads (top right).
John Roy B. Kyamko, chief of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Section of the Environment Management Bureau, also witnessed the milestone, hopeful it will result in positive changes in the community.
Representing Mayor Mytha Ann B. Canoy, municipal environment officer Nelson Soronio expressed the same sentiment and echoed the confidence of the mayor in the students to lead in the town’s transformation, ecologically.
Early responsibility
The partnership highlighted the growing collaboration among the education sector, government agencies, and private industry in promoting sustainability at the grassroots level, noted Avila.
“The expansion of the Plastic Buster Program reflects our belief that environmental responsibility must start early,”
Avila said.
“By involving schools and students, we are planting the seeds of discipline and environmental consciousness that can extend from the classroom to households and the wider community,” he added.
Under the program, students and schools are encouraged to practice proper waste segregation, particularly the collection of non-rigid plastic wastes.
These plastics are then utilized as alternative fuel in TCPI’s cement production process, helping reduce waste sent to landfills while supporting more sustainable industrial practices, Avila shared.
Marlowe S. Revolteado, principal of San Fernando Montessori Science Elementary School, bared TCPI’s program is attuned to DepEd’s advocacy on environmental protection and conservation.
“We give our best efforts in
dealing (with) garbage in the manner (that) we can manage. However, it is heartbreaking to see that most garbage only ends up in landfills,” he noted.
With the program, he said the educators’ passion to help save the environment has been reignited. “We are driven to lead our learners to take part in this undertaking knowing that they deserve a clean, safe and sustainable environment,” he said.
Agents of change
The latest expansion builds on the program’s steady growth since its launch in June 2024 within TCPI premises.
Initially participated in by employees and personnel of suppliers and allied companies, the Plastic Buster Program began as a weekly initiative encouraging workers to bring clean and dry plastic waste from home.
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TCPI honors SF Teachers on World Teachers’ Day
Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc. (TCPI) has reaffirmed its commitment to education and community development by celebrating World Teachers’ Day with the teachers serving the students in host San Fernando town.
The company joined them and their administrators in the Department of Education (DepEd) San Fernando Districts I and II on October 3, 2025 at the San Fernando Sports Complex.
Hundreds of public school teachers from both districts gathered for the day-long program that highlighted gratitude, inspiration, and recognition for educators who continue to shape the future generation with patience, dedication, and service.
As part of its support, TCPI donated 10 sacks of 5-kilogram rice that served as raffle prizes, along with 12 Taiheiyo towels as additional giveaway items for participating teachers, its way to demonstrate appreciation to
educators.
Vanessa N. Bongcawil, TCPI manager for human resources, public relations and community affairs, paid tribute to the teachers in her special message.
She emphasized that Taiheiyo’s support goes beyond material assistance and reflects the company’s deep respect for the teaching profession, noting that “teachers are the quiet builders of our nation.”
Your patience inside the classroom, your dedication beyond school hours, and your commitment to shaping young minds inspire us at TCPI to continue supporting education as a pillar of community development,” she said.
“We recognize that every
lesson you teach today helps secure a better tomorrow for San Fernando,” added Bongcawil, accompanied by community relations coordinator Efren T. Labrado and community affairs staff Brijade May Navasquez.
The celebration opened with a Thanksgiving Mass, followed by the Philippine National Anthem, Sugbu Hymn, San Fernando Hymn, and the DepEd Quality Policy Statement.
Renante Tatoy, president of San Fernando Districts I
and II Teacher Association, welcomed the everyone in attendance as he thanked all partners and stakeholders for recognizing the value of educators.
Isidro Cantina, Principal I of Pitalo Elementary School, acknowledgment the participants, while Dr. Florinda M. Soronio, Principal III of San Fernando Central Elementary School, presented the rationale of the celebration.
Both underscored the importance of honoring teachers not only on World Teachers’ Day but throughout the year.
San Fernando Mayor Mytha Ann B. Canoy, in her special message, lauded teachers as the backbone of local progress.
“No development program can succeed without strong education, and no education system can thrive without dedicated teachers,” she said.
“Your work shapes respon -
Backbone. Mayor Mytha Ann B. Canoy praises the teachers for their selfless service.
sible citizens, future leaders, and productive members of society. The municipal government stands with you in honoring and supporting your noble profession,” she added.
Councilor Carlos Miguel B. Canoy, chairman of the Municipal Council’s committee on education, echoed the sentiment, stressing the need for sustained support for teachers.
“Teachers do not only teach subjects. You teach values, discipline, and hope,” he said, adding: “It is our duty as policymakers and community partners to ensure that you feel valued, respected, and supported in your mission.”
Dr. Joel B. Umbay, public schools district supervisor of DepEd San Fernando District I, formally declaration of the opening of the celebration and, in his message, highlighted the resilience and dedication of teachers amid evolving educational challenges.
“Despite changing times, increasing demands, and limited resources, our teachers continue to serve with heart and excellence,” he said.
“Your patience and unwavering dedication are shaping learners who will one day carry forward the values you instill today,” he added.
The program included an orientation on the DepEd’s ARAL Program that Dr. Olga C. Fernandez, Principal III of South Poblacion Math & Science School, presented.
The gathering had intermission performances by teacher-dancers, the declaration and awarding of the DepEd King and Queen, and games and raffle draws featuring TCPI’s donated items.
Rosemariwen G. Renes, Principal II of Sangat National High School, thanked in her closing remarks TCPI, local officials, and all partners for making the celebration meaningful.
Through initiatives like this, TCPI continues to strengthen its partnership with the education sector, recognizing teachers as key partners in nation-building and community progress. ♦
Plastic Busters ...
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In its second phase, TCPI piloted the program in the community through student leaders of South Poblacion National High School - Math & Science School (SPNHS-MSS).
The positive response from the pilot school demonstrated how students can become effective environmental advocates, influencing practices not only in school but also at home.
“Children can be powerful agents of change,” Avila noted. “When they understand why proper waste management matters, they bring that mindset to their families. That’s how we address the problem at its source.”
With the town-wide rollout, TCPI and its partners aim to nurture what Avila described as “green thumbs” among young learners, a mindset that values environmental protection, discipline, and sustainability as everyday habits.
Indeed, the lead educators, particularly those who witnessed the signing, have expressed their commitment to promote the program in their respective elementary schools (ES), national high schools (NHS) and technical vocational schools (TVS).
They include the principals of:
• Balud ES principal - Dr. Judy Tapere
• Catalina Lapus-Omega
its support to the Plastic Busters Program.
NHS - Dr. Lowella C. Capangpangan
• Pitalo ES - Isidro M. Catina
• Pitalo NHS - Dr. Nanette D. Ymalay
• Ricardo Reluya Jr. TVSErnesto T. Estrelloso
• San Fernando CentralFlorinda M. Soronio
• San Fernando NHS - Kathleen Marie P. Gencono
• San Isidro ES - Alford G. Magdogo with school teacher Liezel Sebial
• Sangat ES - Dr. Marissa S. Deipariene
• Sangat NHS - Rosemariwen Renes
• South Poblacion ES - Evaniza M. Genilla
• South Poblacion NHS Math
& Science School - Dr. Olga C. Fernandez
Beyond reducing plastic waste, the Plastic Buster Program supports TCPI’s commitment to its Environmental Management System, certified under ISO 14001 since 2006, and aligns with Republic Act No. 11898, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022.
Through the expanded partnership, TCPI, schools, and local institutions reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a cleaner, greener, and safer San Fernando, while educating the next generation on practices that will benefit both present and future communities. ♦
Support. CTU San Fernando campus director Wilfredo G. Anoos and Eng’r. Mary Ellen Camarillo, College of Engineering dean at CTU Argao, commit for the university
Raffle Winners. The lucky teachers show the bags of rice they won and some goodies they also received from TCPI who they flank (from 6th from left) community relations coordinator Efren T. Labrado, human resouces & PR/CA manager Vanessa N. Bongcawil, and community affairs staff Brijade May Navasquez.
Taiheiyo Santa Clauses
deliver Christmas cheer to children
Christmas came a little brighter for children in selected villages of San Fernando and Pinamungajan as modern-day Santas from the Taiheiyo Group made their yearly rounds.
Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, Inc. (TCPI) and Solid Earth Development Corp. (SEDC) carried out their shared tradition of spreading joy through Christmas goodies and meaningful community presence.
Leading the yuletide initiative, TCPI brought cheer to children in barangays South Poblacion, North Poblacion, Panadtaran, Tonggo and Ilaya, distributing 1,600 packs of Christmas goodies prepared for young residents of its host communities.
Vanessa N. Bongcawil, manager for human resources, public relations and community affairs, and admin manager Moises B. Tañola led the Taiheiyo volunteers in red elves’ caps in handing out the gifts.
Joining them were community affairs staff Brijade May Navasquez, indoor admin coordinators Jason Plantar and Alfred Amaba, admin staff Cheryl Kong, Patrick Von Ronnel Segovia of labor relations.
As it has been his own tradition in coming home during Christmas season, former TCPI scholar Vincent Nei Villarin, who now works for the International Business Division of Taiheiyo Cement Corporation
in Tokyo, also played Santa Claus.
Also taking part were HR on-the-job trainees from Cebu Technological University - Naga Campus, Klay Tel Borres and Jeeban Canque, who actively assisted in the distribution and helped engage with the children throughout the activity.
Bongcawil emphasized that the initiative reflects TCPI’s commitment in building good relations with its host communities, especially during the Christmas season.
“We believe that being part of the community means sharing not only in its growth but also in its joys. This simple gesture is our way of letting
the children and their families feel they are remembered and valued,” she said.
First time
Meanwhile, SEDC likewise brought Christmas cheer to children in selected villages of San Fernando and, for the first time, Pinamungajan, marking a meaningful expansion of its annual Christmas Goodies Distribution.
Spreading joy through thoughtfully prepared gifts, the human resources and administration (HRA) team of SEDC distributed 2,000 packs of Christmas goodies, which included slippers and face towels.
Wearing red pixie stocking caps and warm smiles, division manager Mitzie Almira I. Carin led the team as they went from barangay to barangay aboard their four-wheel “sleigh.”
Carin shared that the activity
has always been close to the heart of the company.
“Christmas gift-giving is something we forward to every year. Seeing the children smile and feel the warmth of the season reminds us why we do this. It’s about sharing joy, hope, and a sense of togetherness with the communities,” she said.
Among those who joined the SEDC initiative were community relations officer Gines T. Boltron, his deputy Lou Divina A. Cauba and coordinator Zeny T. Cabusas, and HR generalist Renamie A. Villamia.
Bookkeeper Monette L. Olmoguez and documentation specialist Giselle A. Pabular also joined the activity, turning the simple act of giving into a heartfelt Christmas encounter. Consultant Yuki Okumura likewise shared in the spirit of the season.
From Basak and Tabionan to Anislag and Duangan, laughter echoed as children received their Christmas packs, each gift a gentle reminder that the true magic of Christmas lies in kindness, presence, and shared joy.
Through these initiatives, TCPI and SEDC once again showed that Santa does not always come from the North Pole. Sometimes, he comes from the community, bringing hope, goodwill, and the enduring spirit of Christmas to every doorstep. ♦